In response to a question tabled in the Rajya Sabha, the Union Ministry of Law and Justice reported that as of July 19, 2024, 757 out of the sanctioned 1114 judgeships in various High Courts are currently filled, representing approximately 68% of the total positions. Consequently, 357 judgeships remain vacant, accounting for about 32% of the total.

In comparison, as of December last year, there were 324 vacancies out of the same sanctioned strength of 1,114 judges, with 790 judges working. This corresponded to a vacancy rate of 29% and a working strength of 71%.

The Ministry has also informed that as of July 19, 219 proposals received from High Court Collegiums for the appointment of judges are at various stages of processing.

"Out of these 219 proposals, 90 proposals were sent to the Supreme Court Collegium (SCC) for seeking advice against which the SCC has provided advice on 82 proposals which are at various stages of processing.129 fresh proposals received recently are being processed for seeking the advice of the SCC. The recommendations are yet to be received from High Court Collegiums in respect of the remaining 138 vacancies. Further, 05 proposals for transfer of Judges are under consideration of the Government''

Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal provided this information in response to queries from Rajya Sabha MP Haris Beeran regarding vacancies in the High Courts and the Supreme Court.

In his reply, the Law Minister stated that appointing judges in the High Courts is a "continuous, integrated, and collaborative process, involving approval from various Constitutional Authorities." He added that the Government is committed to expediting the process of appointing judges to the Constitutional Courts.

The reply further states that the proposal for transferring High Court judges is initiated by the Chief Justice of India, in consultation with the four senior-most puisne judges of the Supreme Court. It emphasizes that all transfers are made in the public interest to promote better administration of justice throughout the country.

The reply indicates that no timeline has been prescribed in the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) for transferring judges from one High Court to another.