Mumbai, July 7: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the Legislative Assembly that the state government is continuously pursuing the appointment of judges for the 138 sanctioned fast-track courts, of which only 58 are currently operational.
Replying to a question raised by MLA Dr. Rahul Kul, the Chief Minister said that while the state had planned to establish 138 fast-track courts, the appointment of judges falls exclusively under the jurisdiction of the judiciary. He added that the government has been regularly taking up the matter with the High Court through meetings and official correspondence to ensure judges are made available for the remaining courts.
Fadnavis said the High Court has informed the government that the recruitment and promotion process for new judges is in its final stages. Once completed, judges will be appointed to all sanctioned fast-track courts. Until then, some courts have been designated to hear fast-track cases while continuing to handle other matters.
Highlighting judicial infrastructure, the Chief Minister said Maharashtra has significantly expanded its district and sessions courts over the past decade. He assured that the state government is providing the necessary funds and infrastructure for the judiciary. Requests for additional courts, including those from Pune, will be examined by the High Court based on the volume of pending cases before new courts are sanctioned.
Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar also expressed concern over delays in justice due to a large number of vacancies in the subordinate judiciary. He pointed out that several criminal cases, including those before the MCOCA Court in Pune, have remained pending for years, causing hardship to citizens. He urged that vacant judicial posts be filled on priority in coordination with the High Court.
Responding to the concerns, Fadnavis said the issue would be taken up as a priority in the next meeting with the Chief Justice. He reiterated the government’s commitment to work closely with the High Court to expedite the appointment of judges wherever vacancies exist across the state.
