Thu Jul 24 12:33:25 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewrite as a news article, based on the Indian perspective indicated in the intro:
**Summary:**
India’s Rajya Sabha (upper house of Parliament) has been informed that 371 judge positions are currently vacant in various High Courts across the country. The government, through Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, expressed concern that the High Court collegiums (panels responsible for recommending judicial appointments) have yet to send recommendations for over half of these vacancies. The Minister highlighted that the required six-month advance notice for recommendations is rarely followed. 178 proposals are in processing, the others are pending high court collegium approval. The government emphasized that timely action by the High Courts is crucial to addressing the backlog and ensuring the smooth functioning of the judiciary.
**News Article:**
**Judicial Vacancies Plague High Courts, Government Urges Swift Action**
**New Delhi, July 24, 2025:** A significant number of judicial posts remain vacant in High Courts across India, raising concerns about potential delays and strain on the judicial system. Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal informed the Rajya Sabha today that 371 judge positions are currently unfilled.
The Minister expressed disappointment that High Court collegiums have not yet submitted recommendations for a substantial portion of these vacancies, despite a required six-month notice period before positions become open. As of July 18th, out of a sanctioned strength of 1,122 judges, only 751 are currently serving. While 178 proposals are being processed between the government and the Supreme Court Collegium, a significant 193 vacancies remain without recommendations from the respective High Court collegiums.
“The timely recommendation of suitable candidates is crucial for ensuring the efficient administration of justice,” said Minister Meghwal in his written reply to a question posed by Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge. “We urge the High Courts to prioritize filling these vacant positions to avoid further backlog and delays in resolving cases.”
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to working with the judiciary to expedite the appointment process. He also noted that the appointment process involves seeking the views of concerned state governments as per established procedures.
The high number of vacancies underscores the ongoing challenge of maintaining a fully staffed and functional judiciary, a critical pillar of Indian democracy. Delays in judicial appointments can significantly impact the timely dispensation of justice, affecting citizens and businesses alike. The government’s call for swift action from the High Courts highlights the urgency of addressing this situation.
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