Govt yet to receive names from HCs to appoint ad-hoc judges

Considering a backlog of over 18 lakh criminal cases, the SC on January 30 allowed the HCs to appoint ad-hoc judges

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NEW DELHI: Over a month after the Supreme Court cleared the decks to appoint ad-hoc judges in High Courts to deal with rising pendency of cases, the government is yet to receive proposals from respective HCs naming candidates.

Considering a backlog of over 18 lakh criminal cases, the Supreme Court on January 30 allowed the High Courts to appoint ad-hoc judges, not exceeding 10 percent of the court's total sanctioned strength.

Article 224A of the Constitution allows the appointment of retired judges as ad-hoc judges in High Courts to help deal with pendency.

Sources said the Union Law Ministry is yet to receive any recommendation from respective High Court collegiums for appointing ad-hoc judges.