IT is not clear from the reply given by Mr. Gillen to the plea for raising the strength of the Madras High Court to twelve Judges, urged by Mr. Ramanujachariar at the last meeting of the Madras Council, on what ground the Government of India had refused the identical request of the Government of Madras. Usually it is the executive officers of the Provinces concerned who object to these measures for strengthening High Courts. It is curious that the opposition should, in this matter, have proceeded from the Government of India, more so as the Government of India at present includes a gentleman who, besides being a distinguished leader of Madras opinion, has himself been a Judge of the Madras High Court. The matter certainly calls for an explanation.