Supreme Court Collegium Recommends 26 New Judges for Allahabad High Court in a Major Boost

In a pivotal move set to significantly bolster the judicial strength of the country’s largest High Court, the Supreme Court Collegium has officially recommended the appointment of 26 new judges to the Allahabad High Court. This substantial proposal, detailed in a resolution published on the apex court's website, aims to inject fresh talent and much-needed capacity into a court grappling with an extensive caseload and persistent vacancies.

The Collegium, comprising Chief Justice of India D.Y.

Chandrachud and Justices Sanjiv Khanna and B.R. Gavai, meticulously evaluated various candidates before finalizing their recommendations. The proposed list includes an equal division of expertise: 13 advocates from the Bar and 13 judicial officers from the state's judicial service. This balanced approach ensures a blend of seasoned legal practitioners and experienced jurists are elevated to the High Court bench, enriching its diverse perspectives and operational efficiency.

The Allahabad High Court, known for its vast jurisdiction and an impressive sanctioned strength of 160 judges, has frequently operated with a considerable number of vacancies.

These proposed appointments are therefore critical in narrowing the gap between the sanctioned and working strength, thereby enhancing the court's ability to dispense justice more expeditiously. The addition of these 26 judges is expected to have a tangible impact on the pendency of cases, offering relief to countless litigants awaiting resolution.

The recommendation process involved detailed deliberations, including assessing the suitability and merit of each candidate.

The Collegium's resolution specifically names the individuals proposed for elevation, signaling a transparent and thorough selection procedure. This initiative underscores the judiciary's commitment to ensuring robust judicial administration and access to justice across the nation, particularly in high-volume courts like Allahabad.

This latest set of recommendations follows previous efforts by the Collegium to fill vacancies.

In 2023 alone, the Supreme Court Collegium had recommended 10 names for appointment to the Allahabad High Court, out of which seven have already been appointed. The continuous focus on addressing judicial vacancies reflects an ongoing strategic push to strengthen the foundational pillars of India's justice delivery system.

Once approved by the government, these new appointments will mark a significant chapter in the Allahabad High Court’s journey towards greater efficiency and effectiveness.