Gogoi inaugurates interim building of AP High Court

Amaravati: Voicing concern over the pendency of cases and vacancies of judges, Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi on Sunday said the twin factors have made the judicial dispensation system extremely vulnerable.

After inaugurating an interim building of the Andhra Pradesh High Court at judicial complex and laying the foundation stone for a permanent structure at Nelapadu village in Amaravati, the CJI indicated the problem was imminently solvable and urged judges to take a solemn pledge to take the system forward.

He said the pendency figures of three crore cases were alarming but pointed out that 81 lakh cases were just about one year old. "When you file the case, by the time it gets ready it takes little time. Therefore, 81 lakh cases which are less than one year old really cannot be said to be pending," said the CJI.

Gogoi said 50 lakh cases are petty cases and appealed to the Chief Justices of various High Courts to dispense them. He said the worrisome figure of 25 lakh cases are 10 years old which is not a good sign.

He said the long pending cases reflect as a black spot on the judiciary and it should be wiped out as quickly as possible with utmost commitment. He said it was high time the vacant posts of judges in various High Courts were filled as quickly as possible.

Gagoi said, “200 recommendations are lying with various High Courts and 100 with the Supreme Court Collegium for filling up the vacant posts of judges.” He said he is optimistic that 5000 vacancies of district judges and subordinate judges will be filled very soon.

As far as High Court judges are concerned 400 vacancies are there. Out of 400, the High Courts are yet to make recommendations for 270. He said 100 recommendations would be cleared in next two to three weeks.

He appealed to Chief Justice of Telangana High Court Justice T Radhakrishnan and acting Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court Justice Praveen Kumar to clear the recommendations as quickly as possible.

Referring to the new High Court building, Gagoi said dispensation of justice has travelled a long way not only in terms of progress of ideas but also in respect of physical surroundings. He said one must not view the court building in terms of bricks as it has great symbolic value representing thoughts of justice prevails.

The Chief Justice congratulated all the judges and lawyers and people of AP and officers who have tirelessly contributed for speedy completion of the buildings. He said he believes in dispensation of justice and morality travel together.