New Delhi, Feb 4 (PTI) – The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted permission to the Karnataka High Court to continue with the recruitment process for 158 civil judges, overriding a state government circular that had put the hiring on hold.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan issued the directive after being informed that the Karnataka government had issued a circular in November last year, pausing direct recruitment due to modifications in reservations under the Karnataka Judicial Service (Recruitment) (Amendment) Rules, 2024.
“Issue notice, and as an interim measure, we direct that the process of direct recruitment of 158 civil judges in Karnataka shall continue notwithstanding the circular issued by the state government. This order is subject to the final outcome/decision on the application,” the bench stated.
Chief Justice Khanna highlighted that the sanctioned strength of judges in the subordinate judiciary has increased from 21,000 to 29,000 nationwide. He emphasized that states experiencing a substantial rise in judicial appointments must allocate additional resources to support the judiciary adequately.
“The Union of India will file an affidavit on the correct position and status of the land located at 206 Rouse Avenue, New Delhi. A copy of this order will be sent to the L&DO office. List in the week commencing April 1, 2025,” the court ordered.
The bench was hearing a long-pending plea from 2006 regarding the filling of judicial vacancies and the lack of infrastructure in district courts across the country.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan issued the directive after being informed that the Karnataka government had issued a circular in November last year, pausing direct recruitment due to modifications in reservations under the Karnataka Judicial Service (Recruitment) (Amendment) Rules, 2024.
“Issue notice, and as an interim measure, we direct that the process of direct recruitment of 158 civil judges in Karnataka shall continue notwithstanding the circular issued by the state government. This order is subject to the final outcome/decision on the application,” the bench stated.
Chief Justice Khanna highlighted that the sanctioned strength of judges in the subordinate judiciary has increased from 21,000 to 29,000 nationwide. He emphasized that states experiencing a substantial rise in judicial appointments must allocate additional resources to support the judiciary adequately.
Court Seeks Status Report on Judicial Officers’ Housing in Delhi
In a related matter concerning residential accommodations for judicial officers in Delhi, the Supreme Court directed the Land and Development Office (L&DO) of the central government to submit an affidavit outlining the current status of land at 206, Rouse Avenue, New Delhi.“The Union of India will file an affidavit on the correct position and status of the land located at 206 Rouse Avenue, New Delhi. A copy of this order will be sent to the L&DO office. List in the week commencing April 1, 2025,” the court ordered.
The bench was hearing a long-pending plea from 2006 regarding the filling of judicial vacancies and the lack of infrastructure in district courts across the country.
Upcoming Hearings on Judiciary Challenges in Multiple States
The Supreme Court bench is set to address challenges faced by the district judiciary in Bihar, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi during the next hearing.
Last updated by a enewsx:
