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CJI to have an interactive consultative session soon with all High Court Chief Justices on All-India Judicial Services

The Chief Justice TS Thakur is soon to have a consultative interactive session with Chief Justices of High Courts on the pros and cons of the proposal for an All-India Judicial Services (AIJS) Examination.

The initiative is significant as there are differences at various levels on the contentious proposal. To begin with several states are not on board as the mandated lingo at the level of district court is the state local language.

The proposal has been in the pipeline since November 2012, when the than Cabinet Secretary led Committee of Secretaries in the UPA Government led by the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had given approval for creation of the AIJS.

Till date, 15 States and 18 High Courts (of 24) have responded to the proposal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is a vocal supporter of an all India judicial service. 

On October 31 at the 50th year celebration of Delhi High Court held last month, in the presence of the Chief Justice of Supreme Court T S Thakur, the Prime Minister backed the idea.

At present, judges for lower courts are mostly selected by HCs or the State Public Service Commission of respective states.  Taking into account the enormous pendency of about three crore in district courts across India and the fact that the district courts are running short of 5,111 judicial officers, a step in the right direction will pave way for speedy justice.

The CJI on his pat calling for lessening the burden on the judiciary, he said the government is the âÂÂbiggest litigantâÂÂ. âÂÂThe judiciary spends its maximum time on us. Us does not mean Modi, but the government,â he said.

On a lighter note, Mr. Modi had said, âÂÂI never had the privilege to be in a court but IâÂÂm told the atmosphere there is serious. Its influence is seen here too. ItâÂÂs the golden jubilee, smile a bit⦠I understand the seriousness on the dais so that no wrong perception is created. But here (among audience), I donâÂÂt think there is any problemâÂÂ.

A note prepared by the Law Ministry on the proposed interactive session between the CJI and the Chief Justices in High Courts reads, âÂÂThe matter has been discussed at the highest level in the government and the judiciary. It has been decided that the Honourable Chief Justice of India would convene a meeting of the Chief Justices of the HCs to arrive at a consensus on formation of All-India Judicial Services Examination.â”