Number of judges in lower courts goes up, so do pending cases

NEW DELHI: Notwithstanding the gradual increase in the sanctioned strength of judges in subordinate judiciary, there were still 4,580 vacancies and the pendency of cases stood at a staggering 2.64 crore in 2014.

The sanctioned strength of the lower judiciary increased from 17,715 at the end of 2012 to 20,214 in December, 2014, a note prepared by Law Ministry's Department of Justice says.

However, despite the gradual increase in sanctioned strength, there still remain a large number of vacancies in subordinate courts.

As of December 31, 2014, there were 4,580 vacancies for judicial officers, representing about 22.66 per cent of the sanctioned strength.

But, on the brighter side, the subordinate courts settled 19019,658 cases in 2014, though the backlog still stands at a staggering 2.64 crore cases.

In the case of 24 high courts, following a decision to increase the number of judges by 25 per cent, the sanctioned strength increased to 1017 judges as of June, 2015, as against 906 in March, 2014. As on January one, the sanctioned strength stood at 1044.

The sanctioned strength of the Madras High Court was increased from 60 to 75 with effect from 21 December, 2015.

The 24 High Courts disposed of 17,34,542 cases in 2014. The pendency in the High Courts was estimated at 41.53 lakh at the end of December, 2014, according to a Law Ministry data which is separate from the note prepared by the Department of Justice.

The Supreme Court, with five vacancies as on January one, disposed of 44,090 cases till December one last, while the pendency there has been estimated at 58,906 at the beginning of December, 2015.

"In order to facilitate the selection of eligible candidates as judicial officers, High Court and State Public Service Commission, may coordinate with judicial academies and law universities to impart necessary skills, knowledge and continuing legal education to fresh graduates and practising advocates interested in appearing for judicial service examinations," the note says.

As per the Constitutional framework, the selection and appointment of judges in subordinate courts (lower courts) is the responsibility of state governments and high courts.