By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR:BJD Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sasmit Patra has urged Union Law Minister Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal to expedite judicial appointments in the Orissa High Court, where the strength will fall to just 13 Judges against 33 sanctioned posts following the Chief Justice’s retirement on 15 November 2026.
BJD MP Dr Patra said ” I respectfully draw your kind attention to the increasing Judicial vacancies in the Hon’ble Orissa High Court, which merit priority consideration. Following the
retirement of Hon’ble Chief Justice Mr.Harish Tandon on 15 November 2026, the
Court’s working strength will stand at 13 Judges against a sanctioned strength of
33, with 20 vacancies representing approximately 60.6%, compared to the national
High Court vacancy rate of around 26%,”
‘Despite the induction of Hon’ble Judges through transfers during 2025, subsequent
retirements and transfers have resulted in the Hon’ble High Court’s working strength
declining from 20 Judges in December 2025 to 13. Fresh judicial appointments would
considerably strengthen its institutional capacity,’ he added.
‘This assumes particular significance considering the 1,70,346 pending cases,
including 38,936 pending for over a decade, as reported to Parliament in August
2026. (Union Government’s reply to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3371,
answered on 7 August 2026),” MP said.
‘I would therefore respectfully request your kind consideration in facilitating the filling
up of judicial vacancies in Hon’ble Orissa High Court, in consultation with the
appropriate constitutional authorities, through a coordinated and time-bound
approach,’ he added.
