1.42 Lakh Cases Pending In Orissa HC, 195 Judges’ Posts Vacant In Dists: Minister

Bhubaneswar: A total of 1,42,858 cases are pending in the Orissa High Court at present, the state Assembly was informed on Saturday.

This information was given by Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan while answering a question by BJD MLA Souvic Biswal regarding the case pendency in the High Court, the number of cases disposed of and what steps have been taken for Lok Adalats for speedy resolution of pending cases.

The Minister said while as many as 55,203 cases were isposed by the High Court in last five years, the number of pending cases stood at 1,42,858.

The number of judges has been increased to ensure quick disposal of cases and reduce pendency., he said, adding that steps are also being taken to ensure that pending cases are disposed of on priority basis by the High Court.

Answering a question by Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati, the Minister said 195 posts of judges are lying vacant as against a total sanction posts of 1040 in courts located in different districts of the state.

To another question by BJD MLA Prasanta Behera regarding the number of vacant judge positions as against the sanctioned strength in various courts and what steps are being taken to address the issue, the Minister said as on 31.08.2024, total number of vacancies stood at 195.

While the number of vacant District Judge posts was 51, those of Civil Judge (Senior Division) was 21, Civil Judge (Junior Division) 106 and Special Judicial Magistrate 17, Harichandan said.