On February 2, 2025, the Chief Justice of India (CJI), Sanjiv Khanna, along with Justice B.R. Gavai & Justice Surya Kant, convened a crucial meeting with High Court judges. The discussion addressed issues relating to filling up of vacancies in High Courts, appointment of ad-hoc Judgesin High Courts and establishment of Evening Courts were discussed.

The meeting comes right after the recent decision by a Special Bench of CJI Sanjiv Khanna, Justice B.R. Gavai, and Justice Surya Kant that each High Court has the authority to recommend the appointment of retired judges on an ad-hoc basis and it may appoint two to five such judges, with the total number not exceeding 10% of the sanctioned strength. The said decision was taken on January 30, 2025, in order to address case pendency and expedite the disposal of pending criminal appeals.

Source: Press Release of the Supreme Court of India.