Madras HC Lawyers Demand Filling of 23 Vacant Judge Posts on “Social Justice” Basis* *Date*: 27 April 2026 — *1. Who Raised the Demand?* *Led by*: M. Velmurugan – Advocate, Madras High Court & Senior Bar Council Member *Occasion*: Press meet by Madras HC advocates inside HC premises

*Madras HC Lawyers Demand Filling of 23 Vacant Judge Posts on “Social Justice” Basis*

*Date*: 27 April 2026

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*1. Who Raised the Demand?*
*Led by*: M. Velmurugan – Advocate, Madras High Court & Senior Bar Council Member
*Occasion*: Press meet by Madras HC advocates inside HC premises

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*2. Current Vacancy Stats Given by Lawyers*
**Court** **Sanctioned Strength** **Working** **Vacant**
**All India** 1,110 judges 810 **300 vacant**
**Madras HC + Madurai Bench** 75 judges 53 **22-23 vacant**
*Note*: 1/3rd of posts vacant. Senior Judge Sureshkumar retiring in May 2026, making it worse.

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*3. Key Problems Highlighted*

1. *Huge Delay*: List of 24 names already sent earlier, but no decision from Centre.
2. *Justice Delivery Hit*: _“Very difficult to re-list a case”_ due to judge shortage.
3. *Public Trust Eroding*: Vacancies causing massive pendency → people losing faith in judiciary.
4. *Judiciary = Bedrock of Democracy*: Vacancies damage democratic structure.

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*4. Lawyers’ Demands*

1. *Fill 23 vacancies immediately* – Union Law Ministry must act proactively before judges retire.
2. *Follow Social Justice*: Appointments must reflect social justice in selection.
3. *Proactive Process*: Since retirement dates are known in advance, Centre should fill posts before vacancy arises.

*Quote*: _“Vacancies in Madras High Court are causing severe harm to society.”_

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*5. Next Steps by Lawyers*

1. *Petition Sent*: Signed petition by Madras HC advocates sent to:
– Central Government
– Union Law Minister
– President of India
2. *Legal Action*: Plan to file a case as next step if vacancies not filled.

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*Bottom Line*: With 30% judge posts empty and pendency rising, Madras HC Bar says “social justice based” appointments are urgent to restore public confidence. Retirements should not lead to vacancies.

Want me to track if the PIL gets filed?