ALL INDIA JUDGES ASSOCIATION Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) I. PREFACE : This matter involves a peculiar issue concerning the situation of Court Managers, who were introduced by the Thirteenth Finance Commission (2010-2015) to enhance the efficiency of court management by providing administrative support to the judges resulting in improved case disposal.

(2.) One Court Manager Welfare Association has filed an application being I.A. No.187240 of 2024 seeking intervention. Further, I.A. No.187237 of 2024 has been filed by the applicant, inter alia seeking directions to bring uniformity and enhancement in the service conditions of Court Managers across India by granting them a higher pay scale with appropriate allowances as recommended by the Second National Judicial Pay Commission ["SNJPC" for short]. The applicant also seeks recognition of Court Managers as Class I Gazetted Officers, regularization of those still on a contractual basis, and consideration of their past continuous service for pensionary and monetary benefits. It further prays for the directions from this Court that would result in framing of uniform rules for career progression and promotions, along with the formulation of a structured duty roster outlining their roles, responsibilities, and delegated authority to ensure efficient judicial administration.

(3.) Another application being I.A. No. 135045 of 2023 has been filed by Sachin Kumar Gupta and others seeking intervention and directions to expedite the proceedings of LPA 1951 of 2019 pending adjudication before the High Court of Punjab and Haryana and to direct the Union of India to absorb/regularise the services of the intervenors for the post of Court Manager in the State of Punjab, Haryana and Union Territory of Chandigarh.