Retired HC judges ‘embarrassed’ to sit as junior ad hoc judges to clear pendency: CJI

Why in news

CJI Surya Kant highlighted the reluctance of retired High Court judges to serve as ad hoc judges due to seniority-related embarrassment amidst a backlog of over 12 million criminal cases.

Background

The Supreme Court is utilizing Article 224A to appoint retired judges as ad hoc judges to address the backlog of over 12 million pending criminal cases in High Courts. The Attorney General suggested internal discussions among Chief Justices to resolve seniority and judicial dynamic concerns.

Facts for Prelims

• ConstitutionArticle 224A: Provides for the appointment of retired district judges or retired High Court judges as ad hoc judges.
• FactOver 12 million criminal cases are currently pending in High Courts.
• BodyChief Justice of India (CJI): Surya Kant.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the institutional and systemic challenges in addressing judicial pendency in India, specifically focusing on the limitations of the ad hoc appointment mechanism.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• Seniority friction: Conflict between judicial hierarchy and the functional necessity of ad hoc appointments
• Structural bottleneck: Inefficiency in clearing the 12 million+ criminal case backlog despite constitutional provisions
• Administrative autonomy: The role of internal judicial deliberations in resolving seniority-based logistical hurdles

Keywords: Judicial Pendency · Article 224A · Ad hoc Judges · Judicial Hierarchy · Institutional Reform

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