Judicial appointments should reflect social diversity: CJI

CJI NV Ramana Reminds Chief Justice of the High Courts to expedite the filling of vacancies

The Chief Justice of India NV Ramana has asked the Chief Justice of High Courts to ensure that the recommendations for appointing judges to the high courts reflect the social diversity of the country.

This was said by Chief Justice Ramana during his very first live and face-to-face interaction with the Chief Justice of the High Court. The discussion spanned two days and four sessions.

The CJI also presented to the chief judges of the high courts the statements made by various bar associations to include attorneys who practiced primarily in the Supreme Court in the consideration zone and recommended the names of the judges for their high courts.

The CJI also reminded the chief judges of the high courts to expedite the filling of vacancies, particularly in the high courts. This is a continuation of the letter the CJI wrote to the High Courts CJs on this matter in the first week of May 2021, shortly after he assumed the post of Chief Justice.

During the interaction, the Chief Justice of the Madras Supreme Court informed the CJI of the vaccine delay observed in some areas of the state. However, the chairman of the Madras Supreme Court expressed satisfaction with the cooperation and support of the Tamil Nadu government in the vaccination campaign.

At the session, the CJI also conveyed to the Chief Justice its vision to draw from the experiences of the pandemic and build modern, self-contained courts with a permanent facility for virtual hearings in each courtroom.

The Chief Justice reiterated his desire to establish a National Judicial Infrastructure Corporation and to advance a “National Plan” for the judicial infrastructure as a priority.

The Chief Justice of the High Courts of Bombay, Punjab and Haryana and Andhra Pradesh called on the CJI to intervene to remove roadblocks that prevent them from expanding the infrastructure of the courts in their jurisdiction.

The Chief Justice of the High Court has also pointed out the obvious “digital divide” that can be seen in rural and tribal areas. They said the lack of digital connectivity has affected the functioning of the judiciary. A proposal for mobile video conferencing vans was discussed.

Chief Justice Ramana assured the High Courts that the Supreme Court would use the center to address the highlighted issues related to adequate vaccine supplies, connectivity and court infrastructure.

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