As a cornerstone of the world’s largest democracy, the Indian judicial system, is currently grappling with approximately 50 million cases that are growing each day. This judicial pendency impacts about 35% of India’s households. The problem is pervasive, and the Indian district courts are unable to cope up with the demand for justice. There is an urgent need for a comprehensive study on the increasing case load - why the reforms proposed for a century have not worked, and how the situation can be remedied. This the approach undertaken in this research study. This thesis is consciously titled as “Addressing Delays in Indian District Courts – Improving Efficiency and Reducing Demand”. The research study specifically takes an approach that proposes ways to improve efficiency and reduce demand on the judicial system – both are very novel and pragmatic approaches to tackle the dogged and mounting case pendency challenge that Indian district courts face. Combined, they have a potent solution to India’s dogged problem of mounting case pendency. The approach undertaken in this research study leverages both quantitative and qualitative research methods to get a comprehensive understanding of the increasing case load - why the reforms proposed for a century have not worked, and how the situation can be remedied. The research examines the experiences and perspectives of district court judges through semi-structured interviews, observations, and document analysis reveals three primary themes - feelings of being overburdened, a lack of confidence in the system, and a sense of disempowerment among judges. Additionally, the research analyses the real case data from district courts and investigates the stage wise case duration to draw inferences on case delays. This reveals structural flaws in the justice system that are beyond the control of judges and the need for a more comprehensive view on reforms. Overall, this pioneering research gives a comprehensive understanding on the complex issue of judicial delays in India. It is equipped with the rigour to inform policy recommendations to remedy the situation in a sustainable and systematic manner.