Archive · 24 Jul 2025
Government: High Court Collegiums Haven't Nominated Judges for Many Vacancies
There are a lot of empty spots for judges in India's high courts.
The government said that 371 judge positions are open, and the people in charge of picking new judges haven't sent in names for more than half of those openings.
These people, called high court collegiums, are supposed to suggest candidates well in advance, but that doesn't always happen.
The government is currently looking at 178 suggestions for judges.
This information was shared by the Law Minister in response to a question in the Parliament.
371 posts for high court judges are vacant across India.
High court collegiums have not recommended candidates for 193 vacancies.
178 proposals are under review by the government and the Supreme Court Collegium.
The Law Minister provided the information in response to a question in the Rajya Sabha.
High courts are expected to recommend candidates six months before vacancies, but often don't.
- Who
- The Law Minister, the high court collegiums, and vacant judge positions.
- What
- High court judge vacancies and the status of appointments.
- When
- July 18, as of the information shared.
- Where
- India's high courts and the Rajya Sabha.
- Why
- To address the number of vacant positions and the appointment process.
- Vacant Judge Posts
- 371
- Recommendations Pending
- 193
- Proposals Under Review
- 178
- Sanctioned Judge Strength
- 1,122
- Working Judges
- 751