Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Rajya Sabha MP Dr Sasmit Patra has written to the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, urging immediate intervention to address an acute shortage of judges in the Orissa High Court.
In a formal letter dated November 14, 2026, Dr Patra highlighted that the High Court’s judicial strength is on the verge of dropping to less than 40 per cent of its capacity. Following the scheduled retirement of Chief Justice Harish Tandon on November 15, 2026, the working strength of the court will fall to just 13 judges against a sanctioned strength of 33.
This leaves 20 judicial posts vacant—a vacancy rate of approximately 60.6 per cent, which is more than double the national High Court vacancy average of around 26 per cent.
Pointing to a steady decline over the past year, Dr Patra noted that despite the induction of judges through transfers during 2025, subsequent retirements and transfers have reduced the court’s bench from 20 judges in December 2025 to 13. He emphasised that fresh appointments are critical to restoring the institution’s judicial capacity.
The MP also underscored the mounting caseload burdening the state’s highest court. Citing data from the Union Government’s reply to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3371 on August 7, 2026, he pointed out that 1,70,346 cases are currently pending before the Orissa High Court. Of these, 38,936 cases have remained unresolved for more than a decade.
Calling for priority consideration, Dr Patra requested the Law Minister to facilitate the filling of the vacant posts in consultation with the appropriate constitutional authorities through a “coordinated and time-bound approach” to ensure timely justice delivery in Odisha.
