In a significant judicial development, the Supreme Court of India has authorized the Karnataka High Court to proceed with the recruitment of 158 civil judges, setting aside a state government circular that had halted the process. The order was passed today, February 4, by a bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, and Justices Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan.
The state government had previously issued a circular on November 15, 2024, pausing direct recruitments following amendments to reservation policies under the Karnataka Judicial Service (Recruitment) (Amendment) Rules 2024. In response, the apex court’s directive came as a relief to judicial administration in the state, emphasizing the urgency of filling the pending vacancies.
Chief Justice Khanna stated in his order, “Issue notice, and as an interim measure we direct that the process of direct recruitment of 158 civil judges in Karnataka shall continue notwithstanding the circular dated 15.11.24 issued by the State Government. This order is subject to the final outcome/decision on the application.”
The Supreme Court also revisited the matter of residential accommodations for judicial officers in Delhi. It directed the Union government to file a status report concerning the possession of land designated for the Rouse Avenue Project. This project aims to address the accommodation issues faced by judicial officers, with a deadline previously set for December 31, 2023, for the handover of the vacant area by the Land And Development Office (L&DO).
“The Union of India will file an affidavit on the correct position and status of the land located at 206 Rouse Avenue, New Delhi. A copy of this order will be sent to the L&DO office. List in the week commencing April 1, 2025,” the order noted.
