The Supreme Court of India expressed concern over nearly 7 lakh pending criminal appeals across high courts, especially noting the severe under-staffing in the Allahabad High Court, which currently operates with only 79 of its sanctioned 160 judges. The court urged the central government to expedite judicial appointments for timely justice delivery.
Madhya Pradesh HC’s principal bench in Jabalpur stated that neither the Constitution nor judicial precedent requires reservation or proportional representation in judges’ appointments. This came as a double bench, led by acting Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Amar Nath Kesherwani, dismissed a petition challenging a judge’s appointment, following an earlier reservation of the order on Advocate Rameshwar Thakur and others’ petition.
The Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, has approved the appointment of five Calcutta High Court judges as permanent judges, marking a significant move to strengthen the judiciary. The decision, following a previous deferral, aims to enhance judicial strength and efficiency in both the Calcutta and Punjab & Haryana High Courts.
