An average of 2,050 civil and criminal cases is pending for hearing and disposal under each judge in various courts, including the High Court, in the State now.
This was revealed from the information furnished by law Minister Arun Kumar Sahu in the State Assembly in response to a question of BJP MlA Dilip Ray on Tuesday.
While a total of 12,62,695 cases are pending in various courts, only 616 judges are on the job. While the Orissa High Court has 1,69,220 cases pending with it, the lower courts have 10,93,475 cases for disposal. The cases pending at the High Court include 1,28,940 civil cases and 40,280 criminal cases. The HC has 19 judges on the job and the rest eight posts are lying vacant. This means each HC Judge has now 8,906 under him.
Similarly, the cases pending at lower courts include 2,64,227 civil cases and 8,29,248 criminal ones. Out of 716 sanctioned posts, 119 posts are lying vacant in these courts. Accordingly, each judge of lower courts has 1,775 cases under him.
The Minister said the State Government has initiated efforts to fill up all vacant judge posts. Besides, the Government has taken a decision to set up more courts and increase the number of judges.