Will the Minister of LAW & JUSTICE be pleased to state:-

(a)        the number of Supreme Court and High Court Judges appointed this year till date and the number of vacancies still existing court-wise;

(b)        whether it is a fact that the present system for the selection of Judges for these courts through a collegiums of Judges headed by the Chief Justice of India is causing serious delays in such appointments; and

(c)        if so, what steps are proposed by Government to reduce delays in such appointments so that no vacancy of Judges in these courts exists for more than three months?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE

(SHRI H. R. BHARDWAJ)

(a)        A Statement showing the number of Supreme Court and High Court Judges appointed from 1.1.2008 till 17.12.2008 and the number of vacancies existing, court-wise, is enclosed.

(b)        No, Sir.

(c)        The Government has been reminding all consultees to follow time frame in giving their views.

Statement referred to in reply to parts (a), (b) & (c) of the

Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2238 for answer on 22.2.2008