The Central government on Friday cleared the appointment of advocate Maneesh Sharma as a judge of the Rajasthan High Court.
Sharma, who started practice in 1993, has practised in sessions as well as High Court.
The Supreme Court Collegium had recommended Sharma's name more than three years ago in October 2021.
As on February 1, the Rajasthan High Court is functioning with 33 judges as against sanctioned strength of 50, a vacancy position of 17.
“In exercise of the power conferred by clause (1) of Article 217 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Maneesh Sharma to be a Judge of the Rajasthan High Court with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office,” said a notification issued by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice.
The Chief Justice and Judges of the High Courts are to be appointed by the President under clause (1) of Article 217 of the Constitution.
The Union Minister of State for Law and Justice said that there are 367 vacancies of judges in various High Courts and a shortage of 5,320 Judicial Officers in the district and subordinate judiciary in different states.
Three judges of Rajasthan High Court to retire this year
This year, three judges of Rajasthan High Court are going to retire. In May, Justice Birendra Kumar will hang his boots followed by Justice Narendra Dhaddha in September. Justice Manoj Kumar Garg will retire in November this year.
“With addition of Maneesh Sharma, the total number of judges goes upto 34. After retirement of three judges, the number will dip to 31. There are chances of appointment of a couple of more judges under advocates quota,” said a senior judicial officer.
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