Question : HIGH COST OF LITIGATION

(a) whether the Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh expressed concern over the high cost of litigation;

(b) if so, whether some of challenges before the judiciary are reducing the cost of litigation, disposal of pending cases and bringjng justice within the reach of everyone;

(c) whether the judiciary contrary to its independent character as mentioned in the constitution of India is still dependent on the Government for budgetory support;

(d) whether in India contrary to the Law Commission recommendations which prescribed 50 judges for a population of one million, there is only om: judge for a population of one million; and

(e) if so, the steps being taken by the Government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF LAW, JUSTICE AND COMPANY AFFAIRS (SHRI ARUN JAITLEY)

(a): Both Government and the Judiciary are concerned over the high cost of litigation.

(b): Yes, Sir.

(c): While the budgetary support for the Supreme Court is provided by the Central Government, in respect of High Courts and the Subordinate Judiciary, the funds are provided by the State Government. However, the Central Government ha.s been writing to the State Governments periodically to delegate more financial powers to the: High Courts.

(d)&(e): No, Sir. At present there are 13.08 Judges per million population. The Judge strength in the High Courts is reviewed once in three years. The State Governments have been periodically requested to fill up vacant posts in Subordinate Judiciary. Minister of Law, Justice and Company Affairs has also vide his d.o. letter dated 4.4.2001 requested the State Governments to accord the utmost priority to filling up of vacant posts of Judges and Magistrates.