In an effort to tackle mounting case pendency, the Supreme Court Collegium has decided to invoke Article 224A of the Constitution to strengthen the Allahabad High Court by appointing five retired judges as ad hoc judges.
The decision was taken during the Collegium’s meeting held on February 3, where it approved the proposal to appoint Justice Mohd. Faiz Alam Khan, Justice Mohd. Aslam, Justice Syed Aftab Husain Rizvi, Justice Renu Agarwal, and Justice Jyotsna Sharma. These former judges are recommended to serve on the Allahabad High Court for a tenure of two years.
Article 224A enables the Chief Justice of a High Court, with the consent of the President of India, to request retired judges of the Supreme Court or High Courts to temporarily sit and function as judges. The provision is typically used to address judicial vacancies and reduce delays caused by an excessive workload.
The move follows recent refinements made by the Supreme Court to the guidelines governing the appointment of ad hoc judges. Under the revised framework, Chief Justices of High Courts have greater discretion in assigning benches, including allowing ad hoc judges to sit independently, together, or alongside serving judges.
The Allahabad High Court, one of the busiest courts in the country, has been grappling with a significant shortage of judges. The induction of experienced former judges is expected to provide immediate relief and improve the pace of case disposal while regular appointments are underway.
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