Table of Contents
Court vacancy data — RTI to HC + SC (2026 guide)
Quick answer: Court vacancy data: per the Department of Justice + NJDG, 1,000+ HC + SC judge vacancies as of 2024. Pendency directly correlates. RTI to Court PIO + DoJ for granular data.
Key facts
- HC sanctioned strength: ~1,108 (2024)
- HC working strength: ~700 (varies)
- SC sanctioned: 34 (incl. CJI)
- SC working: typically 30-34
- Judge appointment: Collegium-decided, President appoints
- RTI for current vacancy + Collegium recommendation status
Step-by-step
- Check Department of Justice website — doj.gov.in publishes summary.
- Check specific HC website — For its own vacancy.
- RTI to Court PIO — For granular: sanctioned, working, vacant, pending Collegium.
- RTI to DoJ — For appointment process status.
- Track via NJDG dashboard — Pendency correlation visible.
Common issues
- Specific judge's assignment status — RTI for transfer order + assigned bench.
- Long-pending Collegium recommendation — RTI for processing status.
- Government refusing to act on Collegium — political matter; RTI for institutional response.
- Sanction increase requested — RTI for proposal status.
If stuck — file an RTI
Court records are split: judicial records (case file, orders) follow CPC rules + court counter; administrative records (vacancy, infrastructure, listing logic, judges' assets) are disclosable via RTI to the court PIO.
1. Status of my case no. _____ as on date. 2. Reasons for delay / non-listing in past 30 days. 3. Number of similar cases pending + disposed in past 12 months. 4. Procedure to seek certified copy / file inspection. 5. Name + designation of court PIO + appellate authority.
Auto-fill the PIO + your case: Open the AI RTI Drafter →
Frequently asked questions
Why so many vacancies?
Combination of: appointment process delays, retirement, transfers, expansion of bench strength.
Impact on cases?
Direct — fewer judges = longer pendency. NJDG quantifies.
Can citizens demand faster appointment?
Limited — political process. PILs have driven some appointments.
Vacancy data outdated?
Update lag of 30-90 days possible. RTI for as-on-date.
Summary + next step
Bottom line: Court vacancy data: per the Department of Justice + NJDG, 1,000+ HC + SC judge vacancies as of 2024. Pendency directly correlates. RTI to Court PIO + DoJ for granular data.
- AI RTI Drafter: Auto-fill PIO + your case
- Browse all eCourts guides: eCourts index
- Helplines + grievance: 32 helplines
Related
Last reviewed: 26 April 2026.

