The number of sanctioned posts of judges will be doubled from 18,871 in the coming five years while 73 fast-track courts will be set up to try offences against women committed in 2013.
Releasing a “comprehensive agenda for legal and judicial reforms” after a three-day conference of chief justices of high courts and chief ministers, Chief Justice of India Altamas Kabir and Law Minister Ashwani Kumar said the prime minister has approved in principle the decision to increase the judge-population ratio from 15.47 per million to 30 per million.
More fast-track courts would be set up to try cases involving heinous crimes and offences against elderly, women and children, he added.
The CJI was addressing a joint press conference here with Ashwani Kumar. The minister said additional funds for infrastructure would be released under a centrally sponsored scheme on 75: 25 basis.
A total of 12,600 district/subordinate courts have been computerised in the country by March this year and this will be increased to 14,249 by March next, leading to electronic delivery of judgments throughout the country.
“The strength of High Court judges in the country is 906 as on date. Existing vacancies will be filled on priority and the sanctioned strength of the judges in the HCs will be increased by 25 per cent in the next three years and by 50 per cent in the five year period,” the paper said.
