Former Calcutta High Court Chief Justice T. S. Sivagnanam, appointed as one of 19 retired judges serving as single-member Appellate Tribunals for Special Intensive Revision in West Bengal, resigned from his tribunal position on Thursday citing personal reasons.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant urged creation of a national framework to utilise retired judges in ADR and legal awareness, stressing their engagement must be institutional, while noting, “The robe may be retired, the judge never is.”
The Allahabad High Court has sought a response from the Uttar Pradesh government on whether any security rules exist for retired High Court judges, highlighting concerns over judicial independence and post-retirement protection for constitutional office holders.
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 Supreme Court heard Lok Prahari’s plea on ad hoc judge appointments and addressed concerns raised by retired judges over bench composition. CJI Surya Kant said High Court Chief Justices may decide benches administratively, leading to a modification of the main judgment.
Supreme Court slams government, stating “Provide dignity or abolish tribunals,” highlighting poor facilities for retired judges and warning that tribunals may be scrapped if conditions remain inadequate.
SC asks Centre, agencies to act fast on pending gangster trials, suggests hiring retired judges. Outcome of joint meeting to be filed before Oct 18.
Retired judges slam Amit Shah over “unfortunate, prejudicial misinterpretation” of the Salwa Judum verdict, defending Sudershan Reddy and warning against political attacks undermining judiciary independence.
Supreme Court upholds Delhi High Court rule barring retired judges from other states from applying for senior advocate status. CJI tells petitioner: “Why don’t you apply to the Supreme Court… In the Supreme Court, everybody can apply.”
Eight retired Madras High Court judges urged restraint on contempt action against Advocate Vanchinathan. They said only the CJI can act on misconduct claims under SC’s 1995 precedent.
