Is appointing ad-hoc judges a viable means to reduce backlog?

The Supreme Court on January 30, 2025, permitted High Courts to appoint retired judges on an ad-hoc basis to address the mounting backlog of cases. However, these judges were authorised to hear only criminal appeals as part of a bench led by a sitting judge.  Is the ad-hoc appointment of judges a viable remedy for reducing pendency? Here we discuss the question. Guests: Justice Rajeev Shakdher, former Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court; Shadan Farasat, senior advocate based in Delhi Host: Aaratrika Bhaumik