In a significant move aimed at strengthening judicial administration, the Supreme Court on Friday directed all High Courts to frame or amend existing rules for the appointment of court managers, expressing concern that these officials are still being engaged on a contractual basis.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justices Augustine George Masih and K Vinod Chandran emphasized that High Courts must tailor these rules to their specific requirements and submit them to the respective state governments within three months.

The Court also ordered that existing court managers be regularised, subject to their clearing a suitability test. Notably, the Bench clarified that such regularisation would be deemed effective from the initial date of appointment but without any entitlement to arrears. A similar direction had been issued in 2018, but the situation remained largely unchanged.

“We are at pains to say that they are still working on a contractual basis and some states have discontinued them for shortage of funds,” the Court observed.

Court manager positions were introduced following recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission, with the objective of assisting judges in handling administrative duties at both the High Court and District Court levels.

In a further step toward institutionalising the role, the apex court ruled that court managers should be designated as Class-II gazetted officers. It also clarified their reporting structure — under the Registrar General in the High Courts and under the registrar or superintendent in district courts.

Friday’s order came in response to an application filed in the All India Judges Association case. Back in 2018, the Supreme Court had mandated the appointment of professionally qualified court managers, preferably holding MBA degrees, to improve court administration.

“The post of court managers must be created in each judicial district to assist Principal District and Sessions Judges. This will allow District Judges to focus more on their core judicial functions, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the district judiciary. These court managers can also play a key role in identifying weaknesses in existing systems and suggesting reforms under judicial supervision,” the Court had stated in its earlier ruling.

Senior Advocate Siddharth Bhatnagar appeared as Amicus Curiae in the matter.