In a concerted effort to streamline the judicial appointment process, the Supreme Court of India has issued a series of directives to the High Courts of Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana, mandating the establishment of explicit timelines for the recruitment of District Judges. The bench, comprising Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, Justices J.B. Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra, scrutinized the delays in the recruitment process during the hearing of a case that has been ongoing since 2006.
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The Supreme Court’s scrutiny was particularly focused on the Madhya Pradesh High Court, where it was noted that despite the advertisement of vacancies in August 2023, the preliminary examination date was set only two months later. The apex court expressed its concern, stating,
“On August 2023, 21 vacancies were advertised for direct recruitment of District Judges in the 25% quota. It was pointed while the advertisement was issued, however, the date of preliminary examination was notified after two months.”
The court then directed the High Court to
“frame a detailed schedule and publish the same in an advertisement,”
which should include the date of the preliminary examination and the subsequent stages, to be complied with within one week.
The Supreme Court’s directives were comprehensive, requiring the schedule to encompass the assessment of preliminary examination answer sheets, declaration of results, dates for the written examination, interviews, and the notification of the Select List for appointment.
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For the appointment under the 10% quota, the Court ordered that the notification for the appointment of successful candidates should be issued within fifteen days of the order. Furthermore, the process for filling up vacancies for Civil Judge (Senior Division) should be completed by December 7, 2023, with a similar deadline prescribed for the selection process under the promotion quota.
The High Court of Punjab and Haryana received similar instructions, with the Supreme Court directing the Recruitment and Promotion Committee to frame a schedule for the completion of the recruitment process by March 31, 2024, for various quotas.
Additionally, the Supreme Court addressed infrastructural concerns, directing the counsel representing the High Courts to file a report on the steps being taken regarding infrastructural issues for the District Judiciary, including the allotment of land.
The case, titled “Malik Mazhar Sultan & Anr. v. U.P. Public Service Commission through its Secretary & Ors., Civil Appeal No(s).1867/2006,” is set to bring about significant changes in the recruitment process for judges, ensuring a more efficient and timely system that upholds the administration of justice.