2025 Supreme(SC) 851

SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
B.R. GAVAI, C.J.I., AUGUSTINE GEORGE MASIH, K. VINOD CHANDRAN, JJ.
All India Judges Association And Others – Appellants
Versus
Union Of India And Others – Respondents
I.A. No. 135045 of 2023 With I.A. Nos. 187237 And 187240 of 2024 in Writ Petition (C) No. 1022 Of 1989
With
In The Matter Of:
Sachin Kumar Gupta And Others - Applicants/Intervenors
Court Manager Welfare Association - Applicant/Intervenor
Writ Petition (C) No. 301 of 2024
Decided on : 16-05-2025

IMPORTANT POINT
Amelioration of service conditions of Court Managers – Appointment of Court Managers in district judicial system would enable District Judges to devote more time to their judicial functions – All High Courts in country shall frame or amend rules providing for recruitment and conditions of service of Court Managers, by taking Assam Rules of 2018 as model Rules – Such of Court Managers who are already working would be entitled to regularization from date of their initial appointment.

Headnote:

(A) Service Law – Service Benefits – Amelioration of service conditions of Court Managers – Applicant 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 – Provisionally qualified Court Managers were necessary to render assistance to courts in performing court administration – Appointment of Court Managers in district judicial system would enable District Judges to devote more time to their judicial functions – Court Managers would also help in identifying weaknesses in court management systems and for rectifying the same, recommend appropriate steps under supervision of their respective judges – Supreme Court directed that services of any person already working as a Court Manager in any district should be regularised by State Government – This was necessary inasmuch as their assistance was needed for a proper administrative set up in a court – This Court recognised need for raising standard of infrastructure in court complexes – Idea of speedy and quality justice dispensation system could not be treated with a status quoist approach – As in other services, promotional avenues are necessary for employees who would be joining base post of Court Manager – Stagnation at one particular level would reduce the efficiency in functioning of such Court Managers – If promotional avenues are available, it will lead to better performance and efficiency of Court Managers – In alternative, High Courts and State Governments should also consider providing a scheme in rules for Assured Career Progression (ACP) to incentivise functioning of Court Managers. (Paras 32 and 34)

(B) Service Law – Service Benefits – Amelioration of service conditions of Court Managers – All High Courts in country shall frame or amend rules providing for recruitment and conditions of service of Court Managers, by taking Assam Rules of 2018 as model Rules, and submit it to State Government for approval within a period of 3 months from date of this judgment – High Courts and State Governments would be at liberty to make suitable modifications/changes so as to suit their peculiar needs – Upon receipt of rules framed or amendments thereof by High Courts, respective State Governments shall finalise and grant approval to same within a further period of 3 months – Minimum rank/class of such Court Managers should be of a Class-II Gazetted Officer for the purpose of basic pay, allowances and other service benefits – Such of Court Managers who are already working would be entitled to regularization from date of their initial appointment. (Para 44)

Facts of the case:

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

Findings of Court:

Assam Rules of 2018 should be considered as the model rules when other High Courts frame their rules. High Courts and the State Governments can always make certain changes and modifications in order to take care of certain exigencies which may be peculiar to their particular High Court and the particular State.

Result : Writ Petition disposed of with directions.