New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) N V Ramana on Friday said that 126 judges had been appointed in various High Courts in less than a year and requested all Chief Justices to forward names for elevation to fill up the still existing vacancies. “Due to our collective efforts, we could fill 126 vacancies in various High Courts in less than an year. This remarkable feat could be achieved because of your wholehearted co-operation, commitment,” CJI Ramana said. “I request the Chief Justices of High Courts, which are still having a number of vacancies, to forward the names for elevation at the earliest,” he said. The CJI was delivering the welcome address at the Conference of the Chief Justices here after a gap of six years. He said 50 more appointments were expected in the coming days. “You may recall that one of my first communications to you was about filling up of vacancies. I have also requested all of you, in our very first online interaction, to expedite the process of recommending names for elevation to High Courts, with an emphasis on social diversity”, CJI Ramana said. He pointed out that in the past one year, nine new judges were named in the Supreme Court and 10 new Chief Justices for High Courts. On the judicial side, he said the courts across the country have offered a huge respite to people who were struggling to survive the pandemic. “I congratulate all of you for contributing to the humanitarian efforts in your own way.” The National Legal Services Authority continued with its services, uninterrupted, offering relief to millions of marginalised during this period, he added. UNI SM MR
