Goa Faces Judicial Shortage: 18 Judges Needed in 10 Courts

Goa Law Minister Aleixo Sequeira disclosed in a legislative assembly meeting that there is a critical shortage of 18 judges across 10 different courts in the state. This shortage impacts district courts and civil and criminal courts in both North and South Goa. Efforts to address this issue are ongoing.

Goa is experiencing a severe deficit in its judiciary, with 18 crucial judge positions currently unfilled across 10 courts, according to Law Minister Aleixo Sequeira. The shortage is particularly acute in South Goa's Margao and North Goa's Panaji, impacting both civil and criminal cases.

Sequeira shared these details in a written reply to the legislative assembly, emphasizing that Margao's civil and criminal courts are missing four judges, and Panaji's district courts are short by two judges each. Additional shortages persist in Mapusa, Ponda, Bicholim, Valpoi, Vasco, and Sanguem.

The filling of these positions is governed by the Bombay High Court under Article 229 of the Constitution, with the process currently in progress. The judge strength totals have been determined using the 'Unit System' in alignment with the Supreme Court's NCMS Committee interim report.

(With inputs from agencies.)