MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE (DR. M. VEERAPPA MOILY)
(a), (b), & (c): A statement showing the sanctioned strength of the Judges of the
Supreme Court of India and the High Courts, number of Judges in position and the vacancies
of Judges is enclosed.
(d) & (e): Additional Judges are considered for appointment as Permanent Judges, subject
to the availability of vacancies of Permanent Judges and as per the prescribed procedure.
(f) & (g): Pursuant to the Supreme Court Judgment of October 6, 1993 In the Supreme Court
Advocates-on-Record & Anr. Vs. Union of India, read with the Advisory Opinion of 28-10-1998, the
process of initiation of proposal for appointment of a Judge of the Supreme Court/High Courts
lies with the Chief Justice of India and the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court
respectively.
As per the Memorandum of Procedure for the appointment of Judges in the Supreme Court
of India, the recommendation of the Supreme Court Collegium consisting of the Chief Justice of
India and 4 seniormosj; Judges, is submitted for consideration and approval of the Prime Minister
and the President.
As per the Memorandum of Procedure for the appointment of Judges in the High Courts,
the proposals for filling up of vacancies in the High Courts are referred by the Chief Justice
in consultation with the Collegium of the concerned High Court to the State Constitutional
authorities who, along with their comments, send the proposal to the Union Government. The Union
Government refers the proposal to the Chief Justice of India for advice. The advice tendered by
the Chief Justice of India is submitted for consideration and approval of the Prime Minister and
the President. The average time taken for appointment of a Judge Is approximately one month and
six months in the case of Supreme Court and the High Courts respectively.
