Chennai: A proposal from the Madras High Court to increase the total sanctioned strength of judges from the current 60 to 75 has been by approved by the Tamil Nadu government. The recommendation is awaiting Central government nod.
The approval comes at a time when the court has been trying to fill in the existing vacancies and keep controversies over the lists sent by the Chief Justice for approval at bay. At present, the High Court has 38 sitting judges and 22 vacancies.
Meanwhile, the state government has earmarked a sum of Rs 45 crore for development of infrastructure, appointment of staff and other necessary requirements.
The strength of judges must be hiked in commensurate with the increase in population, litigation awareness and inclusion of new laws. Over the years, the number of cases has been steadily increasing in Madras High Court at its principal seat and at its bench in Madurai.
According to the R. C. Paul Kanagaraj, president, Madras High Court Advocates’ Association, judges in High Court face difficulties in disposing of the cases.
Over 5 lakh cases were pending before the court. On several days, admitting cases itself takes two to three days. Litigants undergo mental agony as justice has been delayed and occasionally, litigants throw tantrums for not listing their cases in the High Court.
As a result of the vacancies, Chief Justice, Sanjay Kishan Kaul, faces hardship in allotting judges under the roster scheme periodically, he said.
As per the existing collegium practice, the Chief Justice and Judges of the High Courts are to be appointed by the President under clause 1 of Article 217 of the Constitution.
After the Supreme Court order on the Constitutional validity of the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC), efforts must be made to fill up the existing vacancies of 22 judges and to appoint 15 new judges immediately, he said.
