The Central government is expected to forward nearly 120 names shortlisted for appointment as High Court judges to the Supreme Court Collegium by the end of the week, reports Hindustan Times.

Government sources told HT that eventually all 203 files received so far will be processed by the government. A total of 411 posts are currently lying vacant across the 24 high courts.

It is reported that 69 names for 13 high courts have already been sent this week to the Collegium. Another batch of 50 names will be sent to Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra by the end of the week.

Appointments to the high courts have virtually come to a standstill over the last six months. The HT story quoted a government official as saying that the reason behind this was the Intelligence Bureau slowing down the background checks on the proposed names.

Earlier this year, lawyers of the Karnataka, Orissa and Calcutta High Courts had carried out protests against the state of affairs.

More recently, petitions were also moved in the Supreme Court calling for measures to fill up vacancies for High Court judges. In response, the Supreme Court has informed that steps are being taken to resolve the issue.

While dealing with a petition filed by the Madras Bar Association calling for definite timelines when it comes to judicial appointments, a Bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra assured that some progress has been made to address the problem.

Another petition was moved by the Youth Bar Association of Calcutta praying for directions to fill up vacancies in the Calcutta High Court and other High Courts. In response, Chief Justice Misra reiterated that steps are being taken to resolve the crisis. The petitioner has also been granted the liberty to approach Court in eight weeks time if no action is taken.