15 Dec : There is no proposal at present to change the present system of appointment of Judges in higher judiciary. Working hours of the courts are governed by Rules which are administered by the respective Courts. Government, has, however, after review of judges strength in 2006,2007 and 2008, approved increase in number of Judges by 163 in various High Courts.
The Government also proposes to increase the number of Judges in the Supreme Court by 5 for which the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2008 has already been introduced in the Lok Sabha.
The Government has proposed a revision in the salaries, allowances, etc of the Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts and for improvements in the retrial benefits to retired Judges. Necessary Government orders will issue after effecting amendments in the relevant legislation.
This information was given by Shri H.R.Bhardwaj, Minister of Law and Justice, in the Rajya Sabha today in a written reply to question by Shri Kumar Deepak Das.