NEW DELHI, Aug 2: The Indian government has taken a significant step towards addressing the issue of judicial backlog by forwarding recommendations from a parliamentary committee on staggered vacations for judges. This move is aimed at ensuring that courts remain operational throughout the year and reduce the impact of long vacation periods on case hearings.
In a written reply to the Lok Sabha on Friday, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal announced that the recommendations of the Rajya Sabha Department-Related Standing Committee (DRPSC) have been sent to the Secretary General of the Supreme Court and the Registrars General of the 25 High Courts for “appropriate consideration.”
The recommendation is based on a proposal made by former Chief Justice of India R M Lodha. Justice Lodha suggested that instead of all judges taking vacations simultaneously, individual judges should stagger their leave throughout the year. This approach aims to ensure continuous court operations and improve the availability of judges to hear cases.
The standing committee, which was previously chaired by the late Sushil Modi, had emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue of case pendency. In its action taken report presented to Parliament in February, the committee urged the government to prompt the Supreme Court and High Courts to respond promptly to the recommendation of staggered vacations.
The committee’s action taken report highlights the need for judicial reforms to manage the extensive backlog of cases. By implementing staggered vacations, the committee believes that courts can avoid being closed for extended periods and thereby enhance the efficiency of the judicial system.
The parliamentary standing committee’s recommendation is part of a broader effort to reform judicial processes and improve the overall functioning of the judiciary in India. The government’s response indicates a proactive approach towards these reforms, aiming to address the challenges faced by the judicial system in handling case pendency.
