Supreme Court Collegium Approves Five Former Judges for Ad Hoc Roles in Allahabad High Court
In a significant move to address the mounting backlog of cases, the Supreme Court Collegium has given its approval for the appointment of five retired judges as ad hoc judges in the Allahabad High Court. This decision, made during a meeting held on February 3, 2026, invokes the rarely used constitutional provision of Article 224A, which permits the appointment of retired judges to tackle judicial pendency.
Details of the Appointment and Constitutional Framework
An official statement from the Collegium confirmed the approval, stating that the five retired judges will serve as ad hoc judges for a period of two years. The judges appointed are Justices Mohd Faiz Alam Khan, Mohd Aslam, Syed Aftab Husain Rizvi, Renu Agarwal, and Jyotsna Sharma. Sources indicate that the Allahabad High Court had initially forwarded these names, which were subsequently endorsed by the Supreme Court Collegium, following a request from the Chief Justice of India to high court chief justices for recommendations.
Article 224A of the Constitution of India specifically deals with the appointment of retired judges at sittings of high courts. It states that the Chief Justice of a High Court may, with the President's consent, request any person who has previously held office as a judge of that court or another High Court to sit and act as a judge. Such appointees are entitled to allowances determined by the President and possess all jurisdictional powers and privileges of a judge, though they are not otherwise deemed permanent judges.
Historical Context and Implications for Judicial Efficiency
This provision has been invoked infrequently in the past, making this appointment a notable exception. The move aligns with directions issued by the Supreme Court in April 2021, which allowed for the appointment of ad hoc judges under Article 224A to manage the unprecedented backlog of cases in high courts across India. The decision underscores the judiciary's proactive approach to enhancing judicial efficiency and reducing pendency, which has been a longstanding challenge in the Indian legal system.
The appointment of these ad hoc judges is expected to bolster the Allahabad High Court's capacity to handle its caseload, potentially setting a precedent for other high courts facing similar issues. By leveraging the experience of retired judges, the judiciary aims to expedite the resolution of pending cases, thereby improving access to justice for litigants.
This development highlights the ongoing efforts within the Indian judiciary to adapt constitutional mechanisms to contemporary needs, ensuring that the legal system remains responsive and effective in addressing the demands of justice.
