Synergy Needed: Bridging Judicial Appointments Delay

A parliamentary committee stresses the importance of collaboration between the Executive and Judiciary to address judge vacancies in high courts. The committee advocates for an institutional mechanism to align judicial retirements with new appointments and recommends expanding mobile legal aid units in remote areas for better access to justice.

A parliamentary committee has emphasized the need for collaboration between the Executive and Judiciary to address the pressing issue of judge vacancies in the 25 high courts. On Thursday, the committee recommended developing an institutional mechanism to coordinate retirements and new appointments effectively.

With a sanctioned strength of 1,122 judges, 359 positions remain vacant, highlighting an urgent need for action. The high courts of Allahabad, Bombay, and Rajasthan, with significant backlogs, should be prioritized for judicial appointments, the committee proposed.

The committee also endorsed expanding mobile legal aid units, successfully implemented in Kerala, to remote areas nationwide. These units play a critical role in providing legal services, particularly to large tribal populations, ensuring justice reaches underserved communities.

(With inputs from agencies.)