As the year 2024 approaches, the Supreme Court of India is set to face a significant challenge with the scheduled retirement of three judges and the Chief Justice of India. This development raises concerns about the already staggering record pendency of 80,000 cases, which is expected to worsen if the vacant positions are not promptly filled.

The current sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court stands at 34 judges, but the retirement of Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul in December 2023 has already created a vacancy. The situation is poised to escalate with four more retirements lined up for 2024, starting in April with Justice Aniruddha Bose, followed by Justice AS Bopanna in May, and Justice Hima Kohli in September.

Justice Hima Kohli's retirement is particularly noteworthy as it will reduce the number of women judges in the Supreme Court to just two, unless the Collegium takes swift action to appoint new female judges. It is worth noting that all the judges set to retire in 2024 have served a maximum of four years or less on the top court.

This brief tenure of judges, coupled with the immense backlog of cases, raises concerns about the court's ability to expedite case resolutions efficiently. The responsibility now falls on Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud to consider timely appointments to prevent a further increase in the current backlog of 80,384 cases.

The retirement of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud in November 2024 adds another layer of complexity to the situation. His successor, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, is set to take over from November 11, 2024, to May 13, 2025.

The challenge at hand is not only about filling vacancies but also about the comparatively short tenure of Indian judges in the Supreme Court. Unlike other countries where judges serve longer terms or even for a lifetime, Indian judges retire at the age of 75, which may contribute to the frequent turnover in the top court.

As the judicial landscape faces these transitions, it is imperative for Chief Justice DY Chandrachud to expedite the selection process for new judges. This proactive approach is vital to ensure that the Supreme Court can continue its crucial role in delivering justice and addressing the pressing issue of pending cases in a timely manner.

In conclusion, the coming year presents a critical juncture for the Supreme Court of India, and the timely appointment of qualified judges is essential to maintain the court's effectiveness in dispensing justice and reducing the backlog of cases.