HC collegium has not yet sent recommendations for 201 judge vacancies: Government
New Delhi: Of the 123 proposals sent by the High Court Collegium for appointment of judges, 81 are in various stages of processing with the government, Parliament was informed on Friday.
Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha that the remaining 42 proposals are under consideration of the Supreme Court Collegium.
He also said that recommendations are yet to be received from the High Court Collegium in respect of the remaining 201 vacancies.
“As of December 12, 123 proposals are in various stages of processing. Out of these 123 proposals, 81 proposals are in various stages of processing in the government. Forty-two proposals are under consideration with the SC collegium,” Meghwal said.
According to the Law Ministry website, as on December 1, there were 324 vacancies out of the sanctioned strength of 1,114 judges for the 25 high courts.
As per the established mechanism, the Chief Justice of the High Court initiates a proposal to fill the vacancies of judges. All names recommended by the High Court Collegium are sent to the Supreme Court Collegium along with the views of the Central Government.
The apex court collegium recommends some names while others are sent back to the high court collegium.
The government then acts on the recommendations, with the President appointing the judges. Some recommendations have been returned to the Supreme Court Collegium for reconsideration.
The government appoints only those who are recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium.
