Nearly a year after the Supreme Court allowed the appointment of ad-hoc judges to clear pending criminal cases, no high court has acted on the decision. With over 18 lakh criminal cases still pending, the constitutionally backed provision under Article 224A remains unused.
Nine months after the Supreme Court’s approval, no High Court has recommended names for ad-hoc judges under Article 224A. The move aimed to ease India’s massive criminal case backlog remains stalled.
Despite the Supreme Court’s approval nearly five months ago, High Courts across the country remain hesitant to appoint ad-hoc judges, delaying efforts to reduce the mounting backlog of criminal cases pending before them.
The Supreme Court of India, established on January 28, 1950, evolved from historic legal reforms starting with the Regulating Act of 1773. Governed by a collegium system for appointments, it plays a pivotal role in upholding the Constitution’s supremacy. Judges are appointed based on seniority and established eligibility criteria, ensuring judicial integrity.
