Top Five Judges Work Through Vacation Amidst Criticism of Judicial Delays
In a striking statement, Chief Justice B.R. Gavai has raised concerns about the ongoing criticism of the judiciary regarding case backlogs, despite the top five judges working during their summer vacation. This comes after a lawyer sought to list a case for hearing post-vacation, prompting the Chief Justice and Justice Augustine George Masih to express their frustration. They highlighted that while the judges are committed to their duties, it is the lawyers who are often reluctant to work during breaks.
The Supreme Court has recently announced that select benches will continue to hear cases even during the upcoming summer recess, which runs from May 26 to July 13. These days have been designated as partial working days, during which two to five vacation benches will convene. Notably, the Chief Justice and the other top judges are expected to be present in court during this period, a shift from the previous practice of having only two vacation benches operate during the summer break. This proactive approach aims to address the backlog and ensure that justice is not delayed, reflecting the judiciary’s commitment to its responsibilities even in challenging times.
