The number of judges in Bombay High Court may soon rise to 68, with the Centre on Wednesday informing the court that the four names recommended by the Chief Justice (CJ) for elevation to the post of judges are "in the advanced stage of consideration".

The HC has a sanctioned strength of 75 judges. Currently, it has 64 serving judges. Senior lawyer MP Vashi had filed a PIL for filling up vacant posts of judges and a review of the sanctioned strength of judges.

Additional solicitor general RB Raghuvanshi informed the court that strength of judges at various HCs was reviewed in 2006/07. He pointed out that even if the four names recommended by the Bombay CJ were sanctioned, the HC would still have seven vacancies. These can be filled up only on recommendations forwarded by the CJ, he added.

The Centre's affidavit stated that pending cases during the past five years were considered while reviewing the judges' strength at HCs. An increase in the strength of judges is considered only if the average disposal of cases in that HC is above the national average. If the average disposal is below the national average, then the HC is asked to take steps for improvement of rate of disposal of cases.

Anshika Misra/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication