• Source:JND
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Karnataka News: The district judiciary in Karnataka is currently facing a critical shortage of judicial officers, with recent data revealing that 5,926 positions remain unfilled as of January 31. This number represents approximately 27.5 per cent of the total sanctioned strength of 21,541 positions across the state’s district courts.

While this situation is an improvement compared to last year, when nearly 28 per cent of posts were vacant, the problem remains severe. Law and parliamentary affairs minister HK Patil previously indicated that efforts are underway to address these vacancies.

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Bengaluru Judicial Officers Vacancies

Bengaluru city is experiencing the most significant shortfall, with 835 vacancies out of 2,510 sanctioned posts. Bengaluru Rural courts are also affected, with 532 out of 1,003 posts unfilled. Mandya district presents a particularly troubling scenario, showing 376 vacancies against 844 sanctioned positions.

Karnataka Districts Struggling Staff Deficits

Additional major districts are similarly struggling with staffing deficits. Mysuru has 299 vacancies, Belagavi has 345, Tumakuru has 279, Dakshina Kannada has 312 and Hassan has 207 unfilled positions.

Karnataka Vacancies For Higher Judiciary Roles

The data also highlights vacancies among higher judiciary roles. Of the 1,395 sanctioned posts for district judges, ad-hoc district judges, senior civil judges and civil judges, 243 remain unfilled. Specifically, 61 out of 395 district judge posts are vacant and there are 16 ad-hoc judges despite zero sanctioned posts. Among senior civil judges, 33 out of 440 positions are unoccupied, while 165 of the 560 civil judge posts are also vacant.

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These vacancies pose significant challenges for the efficient management of cases and access to justice for citizens in Karnataka. Current statistics indicate a backlog of around 21 lakh cases in district courts, including over 10 lakh civil cases and more than 11 lakh criminal cases.

Karnataka Judicial Officer Recruitment Process Began

Minister Patil recently announced that the recruitment process has begun, with plans to fill 158 civil judge positions as per a notification issued in February 2025.