Judge shortage deepens in MP High Court, every fifth post vacant; SC-ST-OBC representation far below requirement

What happened: New government data shows that 1 in 5 judge posts in the Madhya Pradesh High Court is vacant, with lower courts reporting even lower representation of SC, ST, and OBC judges.

Why it matters now: The judiciary is already burdened with pending cases, and vacancies directly slow down justice delivery.

What changes for people: Longer waiting times for case hearings and slower disposal rates are expected unless appointments speed up.

Who is affected: Litigants, lawyers, marginalised communities seeking fair representation, and judicial staff across MP.

The ongoing shortage of judges in India’s courts has resurfaced as a major governance concern, with fresh data revealing severe gaps in the Madhya Pradesh High Court and lower courts. The information was shared by the Union government in response to a question from Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha.

Over 27 percent judge posts vacant nationwide

According to the Centre’s latest figures, as of 27 January 2026, the Supreme Court and 25 High Courts together have 1122 sanctioned judge posts, out of which 308 remain vacant.

This means 27.4 percent of approved positions are unfilled, adding pressure to already overburdened courts.

MP High Court: vacancies more alarming

In the Madhya Pradesh High Court, 53 sanctioned posts exist. A significant portion of these remain unoccupied, contributing heavily to delays in hearings and prolonged pendency.

Judicial officers say the persistent shortage makes it difficult to maintain smooth court functioning, especially in districts with heavy caseloads.

Lower courts show worrying lack of social representation

The data also highlights a sharp underrepresentation of SC, ST, and OBC judges in the state’s lower judiciary.

Officials indicate that the number in these categories is less than half of what is required, raising concerns about equitable representation and inclusion.

Legal experts note that diversity on the Bench helps ensure fair decision-making and better understanding of issues faced by marginalised communities.

Why this matters to people

A sustained shortage of judges affects daily life for thousands of citizens. It leads to:

Longer case backlogs

Slower dispute resolution

Reduced access to justice, especially in rural districts

Increased pressure on existing judges, affecting efficiency

For families awaiting bail, property disputes, or civil matters, even small delays can have major consequences.

Central government’s stance

The Union government acknowledged the vacancies and said both the Centre and the judiciary must work in coordination to expedite appointments.

However, no specific timeline for filling posts has been announced.

What to watch next

Keep an eye on whether MP accelerates judicial recruitment, if the Centre proposes reforms for faster appointments, and whether the gap in SC-ST-OBC representation sees any improvement in upcoming recruitment cycles.