On January 29, 2025, Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna delivered a speech commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Supreme Court, describing it as the world's most vibrant apex court and a true people's court. He emphasized the court's evolution in upholding constitutional values and its embodiment of the aspirations of India's 1.4 billion citizens. In related developments, the Supreme Court has instructed the Indian government to consider the establishment of a cadre for appointing members to consumer forums. Additionally, the court has relaxed rules for High Courts to appoint ad-hoc judges, a move aimed at addressing a backlog of 1.8 million pending criminal cases. This decision reflects the Supreme Court's ongoing efforts to manage case backlogs effectively, as High Courts are currently operating at only 60% of their sanctioned strength.
From Romesh Thapar to Indra Sawhney, CJI Khanna’s picks on landmark SC verdicts that shaped India Varnika Dhawan reports #ThePrintLaw https://t.co/loRGzvs9XF
With an eye on the backlog, the Supreme Court relaxes conditions for the appointment of ad hoc judges to HCs. https://t.co/OWlUKPEiT9
Supreme Court relaxes rules for High Courts to appoint ad-hoc judges https://t.co/kekiVWljaG (Reports Abraham Thomas)