SRINAGAR: The Union government has informed Parliament that 43 judicial positions in district and subordinate courts remain vacant in Jammu and Kashmir. The figures were presented in response to a query on pending cases and judicial vacancies across the country by Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs.
According to official data, as of February 3, 2025, the sanctioned strength of judicial officers in Jammu and Kashmir stands at 322, with 43 positions currently unfilled. Over the past five years, the number of sanctioned positions has increased. In December 2020, the sanctioned strength was 296, with 41 vacancies. By December 2021, it rose to 300, while 59 positions remained vacant. In December 2022, the sanctioned strength increased to 314, but the number of vacancies also grew to 91. By December 2023, the number of sanctioned posts reached 317, with 94 vacancies. The latest data indicates that while the sanctioned strength has now grown to 322, the number of vacant positions has significantly reduced to 43.
The government also provided figures for Ladakh, where the sanctioned strength of judicial officers stands at 17, with six vacancies. (KNO)
