The Supreme Court of India, on May 16, expressed serious concern over the contractual status of court managers across various states. The bench noted that in many regions, these essential administrative personnel either continue to work without permanent status or have been removed due to financial constraints.

The Court issued clear directions: all states must regularise the existing court managers, provided they pass a suitability test. Importantly, this regularisation will be effective from their date of joining, though no salary arrears will be granted.

"Court Managers must be recognised for their contributions and granted stability in their roles, not left in a state of uncertainty," the bench observed.

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The Court further instructed all High Courts to frame or amend recruitment rules for court managers using the Assam Rules of 2018 as a model. These rules should be submitted to the respective state governments within three months. Upon submission, the state governments are expected to grant approvals within another three months.

The bench, led by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, along with Justice AG Masih and Justice K Vinod Chandran, outlined the following key directions:

“The minimum rank for court managers must be equivalent to Class II gazetted officers, including allowances and other benefits,” the Court clarified.

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1. All High Courts must submit revised recruitment and service condition rules within 3 months.
2. High Courts may modify the model rules as per their local requirements.
3. State governments must approve these rules within 3 months of submission.
4. Court managers must hold the status of Class II gazetted officers.
5. Those posted in High Courts will work under the Registrar General.
6. Those in district courts will report to the Superintendent of the concerned courts.
7. Rules must ensure no overlap of responsibilities between court managers and registrars.
8. Contractual or ad-hoc court managers will be regularised after passing a suitability test.
9. Regularisation will be counted from the initial appointment date, but without arrears.
10. The process must be completed within three months from the date of rule approval.

“This regularisation ensures fairness and administrative consistency, without burdening the state with retrospective financial liabilities,” the Court emphasized.

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The order came in the All India Judges Association vs Union of India case. The concept of court managers was introduced by the 13th Finance Commission, aiming to improve judicial efficiency by assisting judges with administrative duties. The Second National Judicial Pay Commission (SNJPC) later echoed this need.

“Despite repeated directions from this Court, several High Courts and State Governments have failed to implement the required rules for court managers,” said CJI Gavai, expressing disappointment.

The Court appreciated the contributions of Senior Advocate Siddharth Bhatnagar, acting as amicus curiae, along with Mr. Ankit Yadav and Mr. Aditya Sidhra for their assistance.

Case : All India Judges Association vs Union of India