Chief Justice of India TS Thakur today said in strong words against the centre government that there are around 500 High Court judges’ posts lying vacant in High Courts. He emphasized that 500 High Court judges should be working today but unfortunately, they are not working said in New Delhi. Justice Thakur also said there was a lack of infrastructure being provided to tribunals due to which several of them are vacant.
Courts are lying empty and lack facilities
“Government is not ready to give proper facilities. Vacancy apart from infrastructure is a major concern for tribunals. Tribunals are not equipped and are lying empty. Today a situation has come that when no retired Supreme Court judge wants to head a tribunal… Posts are falling vacant and I am at pains in persuading my colleagues who are demitting office to accept these appointments,” he said.
Government has made several appointments but in 1990 were only 80″ Prasad
On the other hand, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the government has made 120 appointments this year. “We respectfully disagree with Chief Justice. We have made 120 appointments this year. Since 1990 there have only been 80 appointments. There are around 5000 vacancies in lower judiciaries which the government has not concerned with them, the only judiciary can take decision for them, said Prasad
The matter of transfer of judges is decided by a panel of senior judges of the Supreme Court, including Chief justice. Their decisions are forwarded to the government for approval and then need the president consent.
Judges demand to reform the procedure of appointments
Many prominent jurists have said that the procedure of judges’ appointment needs reform because the process lacks transparency. Last year, parliament cleared a National which would include the Law Minister and two prominent persons selected by an individual panel including the chief Justice, the Prime Minister, and the leader opposition. However, this new procedure was canceled by the Supreme Court, which felt the government would have too great a say in deciding judges and the independence of the judiciary would be toughed.Justice Thakur in an event in April was broke down in the presence of Prime Miniter Narendra Modi while talking about the hectic job of the judges, saying there is a need to appoint more.
However, this new procedure was canceled by the Supreme Court, which felt the government would have too great a say in deciding judges and the independence of the judiciary would be abraded. Justice Thakur in an event in April was broke down in the presence of Prime Miniter Narendra Modi while talking about the hectic job of the judges, saying there is a need to appoint more.
