In an attempt to clear the backlog of over 40 lakh cases, the Centre has increased the strength of judges in all High Courts by 25 per cent. As a result, the number of judges will go up from 906 to 1,112.
At present, there are about 250 vacancies in the High Courts. In addition, 206 new vacancies have to be filled in view of the proposed increase in the strength.
Law Minister Kapil Sibal has written to the Chief Justices of High Courts, requesting them to send recommendations for filling the vacancies.
Under the government proposal, the strength of judges in the Allahabad High Court, for example, will go up from 160 to 200; Andhra Pradesh 49 to 61; Bombay 75 to 94; Calcutta 58 to 72; Madras 60 to 75; Delhi 48 to 60; Karnataka 50 to 62; Kerala 38 to 47; Punjab and Haryana 68 to 85; and Patna 43 to 53.
