No Data On Number Of Judges Whose Kith Or Kin Had Been In Judiciary: Law Minister Informs Lok Sabha

Law Minister Kiren Rijiju has informed the Lok Sabha that the data on the number of judges whose kith or kin had earlier been in judiciary, High Court-wise, is not maintained.

The Law Minister was responding to the question of whether the Government proposes to implement the recommendation of 230th report of the Law Commission wherein it is suggested not to appoint the Judges in those courts where their kith and kin are practicing.

"The data on number of judges whose kith or kin had earlier been in judiciary, High Court-wise, is not maintained.", Kiren Rijiju said.

While responding to the question of filling up vacancies in High Courts, the law minister said that it is a continuous, integrated and collaborative process between the Executive and the Judiciary.

"Filling up of vacancies in High Courts is a continuous, integrated and collaborative process between the Executive and the Judiciary. It requires consultation and approval from various constitutional authorities both at the State and Centre level. At regular intervals, Government receives names recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium for appointment as Judges in various High Courts, which are processed for necessary approval as per the provisions of Memorandum of Procedure.", the Minister replied.

He said that vacancies of Judges in High Courts keep on arising on account of retirement, resignation or elevation of Judges and also due to increase in the strength of Judges.

"While every effort is made to fill up the existing vacancies expeditiously, vacancies of Judges in High Courts do keep on arising on account of retirement, resignation or elevation of Judges and also due to increase in the strength of Judges.", he said.

As per the details presented by the Law Minister on vacancies of High Court Judges across the Country, Allahabad High Court has the highest number of vacancies for High Court Judges (60) followed by the Bombay High Court (28). The total number of vacancies for High Court Judges stands at 330.