Calcutta HC Flags Judge Shortage in Charbagh Case Review
The Calcutta High Court has expressed serious concern over the acute shortage of judges, particularly in light of the ongoing investigation into the Charbagh land dispute case. In an official communication addressed to the West Bengal government, the court highlighted that while 72 judge positions have been sanctioned at the Calcutta High Court, only 50 are currently serving. This significant gap of 22 vacant positions has created immense pressure on the existing judiciary, hampering the timely delivery of justice. The issue was raised by the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, who emphasized that the mounting caseload, especially in high-profile cases such as the Charbagh land dispute, cannot be effectively managed without adequate judicial strength. The court's letter to the state government serves as a formal request to expedite the appointment process and fill the vacant positions at the earliest. The Charbagh case itself has been under judicial scrutiny for alleged irregularities in land acquisition and distribution, with several petitions pending before the high court. The lack of sufficient judges has led to delays in hearing these matters, causing frustration among litigants and legal practitioners. Legal experts have long warned that the judiciary in West Bengal, particularly at the high court level, is overstretched due to persistent vacancies and a lack of proactive recruitment. The court's intervention through this formal letter marks a rare instance of the judiciary directly appealing to the executive wing for administrative support. The state government is now expected to respond promptly to the court's concerns and initiate necessary steps to restore the sanctioned strength of the judiciary. Failure to address this shortfall could further compromise the efficiency of the state's higher judiciary and undermine public confidence in the justice delivery system. Meanwhile, legal circles are closely watching whether the Charbagh case proceedings will face further adjournments due to the ongoing judicial crisis.
Key Highlights
- Calcutta High Court has only 50 judges against 72 sanctioned positions
- Court cites heavy caseload pressure in Charbagh land dispute review
- Formal letter sent to West Bengal government urging immediate appointments
- Judicial shortage causing delays in high-profile case hearings
- Legal experts warn of long-term impact on justice delivery
Source: News18 Bengali
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