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.
The 23rd Law Commission of India may appoint retired Supreme Court Justice Dinesh Maheshwari as its chairperson this week, following a seven-month vacancy. He will be joined by two new members, including Prof D P Verma. The Commission’s main task will be drafting the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for India.
Between 2018 and 2022, a total of 540 judges were appointed to various High Courts across India, according to the Law Ministry. Data reveals that 80% of these appointees belonged to upper castes. This highlights a significant caste imbalance in judicial appointments during the period. The figures have sparked discussions on diversity and representation in the judiciary.
