Context
The Government of India has appointed 24 judges to the Allahabad High Court (HC)—the largest HC in India. This historic move reduces vacancies from 74 to 50, strengthening judicial capacity and addressing case pendency.
Key Highlights
- Appointments Overview
- Total appointments: 24 judges.
- Composition:
- 14 judicial officers promoted from subordinate judiciary.
- 10 advocates directly elevated to the bench.
- Marks the largest batch of HC appointments in recent years.
- Significance
- Allahabad HC:
- Sanctioned strength: 160 judges (highest in India).
- Vacancies reduced: 74 → 50.
- Expected to:
- Speed up case disposal.
- Address pendency, especially in India’s most populous state (Uttar Pradesh).
- Reinforce judicial infrastructure at one of the busiest HCs.
- Geographical Spread
- Judges drawn from diverse districts of Uttar Pradesh.
- Some appointees also from outside the state (e.g., Himachal Pradesh), ensuring diversity.
- Judicial Reforms Context
- Systemic challenge:
- Over 4.5 crore pending cases in Indian courts.
- High Courts: 60+ lakh pending cases.
- Judicial vacancies are a major bottleneck in justice delivery.
- Timely appointments crucial to uphold Article 21 (Right to Life & Liberty → speedy justice).
- Appointment Process
- Collegium System:
- Names recommended by SC Collegium.
- Cleared by Ministry of Law & Justice and PMO.
- Final approval: President of India.