Judicial appointments bill passed in RS
15 Aug 2014 6:20 AM IST
The passage of the bill in Rajya Sabha is considered as a major political victory for the Narendra Modi government. The Bill was earlier passed unanimously through voice vote in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. A Constitution Amendment Bill to facilitate establishment of a Commission to appoint judges to higher judiciary was also passed by a majority.
Once the bill becomes an act, the government will have ‘some’ say in the appointment of Supreme Court and high court judges after 21 years. Sources said once the commission is formed, 266 vacancies for judges in 24 high courts will get expedited. The Supreme Court, which has a sanctioned strength of 31, also has one vacancy.
The appointment of new judges is also expected to expedite the process of backlog of legal cases in courts across the country.
Earlier, there was speculation that since the ruling party lacks majority in upper house, Congress leaders might bring hurdles with demand to make amendments in the present bill. However, the bill was passed after a brief debate.
Once the bill becomes an act, the government will have ‘some’ say in the appointment of Supreme Court and high court judges after 21 years. Sources said once the commission is formed, 266 vacancies for judges in 24 high courts will get expedited. The Supreme Court, which has a sanctioned strength of 31, also has one vacancy.
The appointment of new judges is also expected to expedite the process of backlog of legal cases in courts across the country.
Earlier, there was speculation that since the ruling party lacks majority in upper house, Congress leaders might bring hurdles with demand to make amendments in the present bill. However, the bill was passed after a brief debate.
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