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 Collegium is considering a proposal to limit the appointment of judges’ relatives to judicial positions. This move aims to promote fairness and inclusivity in the judiciary, creating opportunities for first-generation lawyers. Experts believe it could enhance diversity and improve representation from underrepresented communities in constitutional courts. The step reflects a growing emphasis on merit-based selections in India’s judicial system.
The Union Law Ministry informed the Lok Sabha that 38 candidates from SC, ST, OBC, and BC are being considered for High Court judgeships. Among the 205 pending recommendations by High Court Collegiums, 16.8% have been from these backgrounds since 2018. The government’s stance on approving candidates based on social media activity remains vague.