BCI writes to Centre, state bar councils over backlog of cases

The Bar Council of India has written to the Union government for appointment of more judges in the Supreme Court and High Courts to tackle the issue of rising backlog of cases.
The letter, written by BCI Chairman Manan K Mishra, came two days after Chief Justice of India T S Thakur broke down during a conference over judiciary being blamed for backlog of court cases.
The apex lawyers' body has extended support to the judiciary and the CJI, saying it will fully cooperate in speedy disposal of cases and requested the government to make immediate appointments in Supreme Court and various HCs.

"More than 60,000 cases are pending in the Supreme Court alone, while High Courts have a backlog of about 39 lakh cases. Every month, the filing is increasing and in order to tackle this situation, an immediate filling up of the existing vacancies is required.
"The Indian Bar fully stands with the highest judiciary of the country and the Chief Justice of India. The bar is ready to extend its full cooperation to the judiciary in disposal of cases," it said.
The letter, which is also addressed to the state bar councils, requested the Supreme Court and High Court lawyers to express their willingness to work during vacations and cooperate with the judiciary in disposal of cases.

The apex lawyers' body also said it was likely to convene a meeting of Bar Associations and state Bar Councils on May 7 and 8 to urge the government to fill up vacancies and provide proper infrastructure.
During a recently held Conference of Chief Ministers and Chief Justices of High Courts, CJI Justice Thakur had lamented "inaction" by the executive in increasing the number of judges from the present 21,000 to 40,000 to handle the "avalanche" of litigations.
Justice Thakur had also rebutted PM Narendra Modi's comment on judges having long vacation, saying judges don't go to hill stations to enjoy the summer break, but spend this time on writing judgements and clearing their desks so that fresh cases can be taken up.