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News: To address the increasing backlog of cases in High Courts, the Supreme Court (SC) ruled on January 30, 2025, that retired judges can be appointed as ad-hoc judges under specific conditions.
About Ad-hoc Judge
- Ad-hoc judges are retired High Court judges who are temporarily reappointed to help clear pending cases.
- They have the same powers as sitting judges but serve only for a limited time.
- Article 224-A of the Constitution (added in 1963) allows the appointment of retired judges on an ad-hoc basis.
- Ad-hoc judges can hear only criminal appeals.
- He/ She must be part of a Bench led by a sitting judge.
- Cannot exceed 10% of the High Court’s sanctioned strength (each High Court can appoint 2 to 5 ad-hoc judges).
- Term: 2 to 3 years.
- Same salary and allowances as permanent High Court judges, but no pension.
- Accommodation or housing allowance similar to regular judges.
Appointment Process
- The Chief Justice of a High Court proposes a retired judge’s name.
- The State’s Chief Minister forwards it to the Governor.
- The Governor sends it to the Union Minister of Law & Justice.
- The Law Minister consults the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
- The Prime Minister advises the President.
- The President approves the appointment.
- A formal notification is issued, completing the process.
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