Central government approves increase in sanctioned Bench strength of Telangana High Court by 75 percent after intervention by CJI NV Ramana

The Central government has agreed to the proposal by the Telangana High Court to increase its sanctioned Bench strength by 75 percent, up from the current 24 judges to 42 judges. .According to a press note, the Ministry of Law and Justice agreed to the proposal by the High Court Chief Justice after intervention by Chief Justice of India (CJI), NV Ramana. .Out of these 42 judges, 32 will be Permanent Judges and 10 will be Additional Judges..The increase in sanctioned Bench strength will be effective from June 8, 2021, the date on which it was approved by CJI NV RamanaThe proposal seeking such increase in strength of judges was first sent to the Central government over two years, but was recently revived and acted upon by CJI Ramana..The said proposal was sent to the Union Minister of Law and Justice by the then Chief Justice of Telangan High Court in February, 2019. The same was also endorsed by the CM and the then Governor of Telangana. The Ministry examined it in detail but the proposal remained in cold storage, the press noted said. .Justice Ramana, soon after assuming charge as the CJI, took up with the Prime Minister and Minister of Law and Justice, issues concerning judiciary including the request of the High Court of Telangana to increase its sanctioned strength. Thereafter, the CJI discussed the matter of Telangana High Court specifically with the Union Minister of Law and Justice in writing on May 27, 2021..Upon receiving the CJI’s letter, the Ministry concurred with the suggestion to increase the strength and communicated its decision to the CJI on June 7.Though the High Court of Telangana has a sanctioned strength of 24, it is functioning with 14 judges and has 10 vacancies.