The Supreme Court ordered taking seriously the 410 vacancies against the 1,079 sanctioned posts of judges in the High Courts. The Supreme Court has ordered that these appointments should be made within six months of the approval of a person's name by the collegium and the government. The order was passed by a bench of Justices SK Kaul and MK Joseph.

In its order dated December 6, the two-judge bench stated, "In cases in which the recommendations of the High Collegium meet the approval of the Supreme Court Collegium and the Government." At least those appointments must be made within six months. The bench said," Data from all over India shows that there are only 669 employed in the High Courts against the sanctioned strength of 1079 judges. There are 410 vacancies. 213 recommendations are said to be in the process with the government or the Supreme Court collegium. Recommendations are yet to be received from the High Court Collegium for 197 vacancies.'

Attorney General KK Venugopal, who is assisting the apex court, told the bench that a small start is needed to fill these vacancies. Peetha was hearing an application moved from Odisha where the lawyer was high in other parts of the state. Many districts are on strike demanding the court's bench benches.