In a landmark move to address judicial backlog, Punjab’s Department of Home Affairs and Justice promoted 26 Civil Judges to Additional District and Sessions Judges on March 18, 2025. The promotions, based on merit-cum-seniority under Rule 7(3)(a) of the Punjab Superior Judicial Service Rules, 2007, aim to streamline court operations and expedite case resolutions across the state.

Behind the Promotions
The selected judges, including Kuljinder Sra and Vijaykumar Vyshak, cleared rigorous suitability tests evaluating their legal knowledge and administrative skills. The vacancies—25 existing and one anticipated—will bolster districts like Ludhiana and Patiala, where pending cases exceed 100,000. High Court Registrar Navneet Singh stated, “This is a proactive step to ensure justice isn’t delayed, especially in civil and property disputes.”

Impact on Punjab’s Legal Landscape
Legal experts laud the move as a “long-overdue correction” to the judge-population ratio, which currently stands at 21 judges per million residents—far below the Law Commission’s recommended 30. The promoted judges will handle sensitive cases, including NDPS and domestic violence matters, with specialized fast-track courts. Advocates like Jaspreet Kaur note, “Efficiency will improve, but infrastructure upgrades are equally urgent to support this expansion.”

Challenges Ahead
While the promotions address manpower gaps, systemic issues like outdated digital systems and witness protection protocols persist. The judiciary’s next focus, per sources, is leveraging AI for case management—a vision that hinges on sustained political and financial backing. For now, these elevations mark a critical step toward a more robust legal framework in Punjab.