Anushka Mansharamani
The Apex Court heard the plea filed by an NGO seeking the appointment of additional judges in the High Court in order to lower the pendency burden of cases in the lower courts.
The bench comprising Chief Justice of India S.A. Bobde, Justice S.K. Kaul and Justice Surya Kant adjourned the matter for two weeks.
Advocate Vikas Singh suggested that senior lawyers from Jharkhand could be a part of the Bar Association and practice at the High court.
This would help fill the vacancy and he further recommended that the process of appointment must start on time as delay could cause the judge’s retirement date.
During the hearing, the data was submitted on the pendency of cases and CJI S.A. Bobde asked Attorney General K.K. Venugopal to analyze the data and prepare a chart on the same.
He further asked him to study the chart prepared by Justice Kaul about vacancies. Justice Kaul stated that the vacancies were brought down to 104 from 150 and that the area of concern were the unfiled post vacancies for a long time.
The Supreme Court directed the Ministry of Law and Justice to observe the chronology of events and prepare a timeline of how much time it would take to respond to the recommendations made.
The CJI sought a response from the High Court’s facing issues so that the Supreme Court can take the matter up.
The bench also stated that the court would address the issues concerning both the judicial and administrative matters.
