HC CJ recuses from hearing PIL on vacancies in lower judiciary

Delhi High Court Chief Justice G Rohini today recused herself from hearing a PIL seeking a direction to the high court administration to advertise all existing 262 vacancies of lower court judges.
The Chief Justice said that the matter be listed before another bench on July 22.
The court was hearing a PIL filed by advocate R K Kapoor seeking direction to the Registrar of Delhi High Court to "notify/advertise" all the existing vacancies as were existing on February 18 for recruitment to the Delhi Judicial Service (DJS).
According to the plea, a notification was published in the newspapers on February 22 for recruitment to DJS by which only 80 seats were advertised although there were about 262 vacancies.

Kapoor, in his plea, has also sought direction to the high court, Delhi government and others to create requisite infrastructure so that all vacant posts can be filled up in one go.
"Issue a writ order or direction including a writ of mandamus directing the respondent High Court of Delhi, the Delhi government and other respondents to take urgent steps, to create infrastructure within a time-bound programme," the plea said.
"Issue a writ order or direction including a writ of mandamus directing the Union of India to provide sufficient financial support for creating infrastructure," it added.
The petition alleged that although an undertaking was given by the Delhi government to the Supreme Court but till date the infrastructure to fill all the existing vacancies is lacking.