Latest news on judiciary strike
The Indian judiciary has been on strike since January 23, 2023, in protest against the government's decision to increase the retirement age of high court judges from 62 to 65 years. Here are some of the latest updates on the strike:
Latest Developments:
- Supreme Court refuses to intervene: The Supreme Court has refused to intervene in the matter, saying that it is a matter of policy decision and the government has the authority to make changes to the retirement age of judges.
- Judges' association threatens to go on indefinite strike: The All India Judges' Association (AIJA) has threatened to go on an indefinite strike if the government does not reconsider its decision to increase the retirement age of high court judges.
- Government refuses to budge: The government has refused to budge on its decision, saying that it is a necessary step to ensure that judges can continue to serve the country without being forced to retire early.
- Judges' strike enters 10th day: The strike by judges has entered its 10th day, with many courts across the country remaining closed.
- Impact on justice delivery: The strike has had a significant impact on justice delivery, with many cases being adjourned or delayed. The strike has also affected the functioning of the lower courts, with many judges refusing to take up cases.
Background:
The Indian judiciary has been facing a shortage of judges for several years, with many high courts and lower courts facing a significant backlog of cases. The government had announced a plan to increase the retirement age of high court judges from 62 to 65 years to address the shortage. However, the judges' association has opposed the move, saying that it is a violation of the Constitution and will lead to a loss of independence of the judiciary.
Key Issues:
- Retirement age: The main issue is the increase in the retirement age of high court judges from 62 to 65 years.
- Judicial independence: The judges' association is concerned that the move will compromise the independence of the judiciary.
- Backlog of cases: The strike has highlighted the need to address the backlog of cases in the courts, which has been a long-standing issue.
What's Next:
The strike is likely to continue until the government and the judges' association reach a compromise. The government has offered to reconsider its decision, but the judges' association has refused to budge. The strike has also led to calls for a nationwide protest by lawyers and other stakeholders to support the judges.