CJI NV Ramana stresses on filling judicial positions in lower courts

Chief Justice of India NV Ramana said on Saturday that more than 40 million cases were pending in the country’s courts, as he pressed the need to fill vacant judicial positions in lower courts to ensure quick disposal of justice.

He said the number of judges increased by 16% in the last six years, even as the number of cases rose 54%. The judge strength in India’s judicial system must be made comparable to that in the rest of the world, he said.

Justice Ramana was speaking at a joint conference of chief ministers and chief justices of high courts, which was also attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The CJI said the government accounted for amajor part of the caseload in courts. “It is a well acknowledged fact that governments are the biggest litigants, accounting for nearly 50% of the cases," Justice Ramana said.


"Often, litigation is triggered because of two major reasons. One is non-performance by the various wings of the executive. Second is, the legislature not realising its full potential," he said.