Prayagraj: In a significant step aimed at addressing the growing judicial vacancies and the massive backlog of cases, the Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the appointment of five retired judges as Ad-Hoc Judges in the Allahabad High Court. This landmark decision was taken during the Collegium’s meeting held on February 3, 2026.
The recommendation is made under Article 224-A of the Constitution, a provision that is rarely invoked but holds critical importance in the functioning of the judiciary. The Collegium has approved the proposal to appoint these judges for a two-year term, marking a proactive approach towards easing the burden on one of India’s busiest High Courts.
Names of Recommended Judges
The Collegium has forwarded the names of the following retired judges to the Central Government for final approval and notification –
- Mr. Justice Md. Faiz Alam Khan
- Mr. Justice Md. Aslam
- Mr. Justice Syed Aftab Hussain Rizvi
- Mrs. Justice Renu Aggarwal
- Mrs. Justice Jyotsna Sharma
These esteemed judges bring a wealth of experience and are expected to provide immediate relief to the Allahabad High Court, which continues to grapple with a substantial case backlog.
Understanding Article 224-A of the Constitution
Article 224-A empowers the Chief Justice of a High Court, with the prior consent of the President, to request a retired High Court judge from the same or another High Court to serve temporarily. While judges appointed under this provision enjoy all the jurisdiction, powers, and privileges of a sitting High Court judge, they are not considered full judges in terms of seniority or transfers.
The purpose of this article is to mitigate excessive case pendency by deploying experienced judicial hands. In the landmark Lok Prahari case (2021), the Supreme Court issued guidelines to streamline the activation of Article 224-A, emphasizing the importance of ad-hoc appointments in managing docket explosion.
Recent Judicial Reforms Boosting Ad-Hoc Appointments
In January 2025, the Supreme Court relaxed the requirement that vacancies must exceed 20% of a High Court’s sanctioned strength to allow ad-hoc appointments. Later, in December 2025, the Court clarified that ad-hoc judges could either sit on single benches or form division benches with sitting judges. These measures have made it easier to utilize Article 224-A to manage high caseloads effectively.
Significance for the Allahabad High Court
The Allahabad High Court, one of the largest and busiest High Courts in India, faces a particularly high backlog of cases, especially criminal matters. The appointment of five experienced retired judges as ad-hoc judges is expected to speed up the adjudication process, reduce delays, and enhance the efficiency of the court system.
The Collegium’s recommendation now awaits the Central Government’s approval and official notification, which is expected to pave the way for these judges to assume office shortly. Legal experts have described this move as a “timely and reassuring step” towards strengthening the judiciary in Uttar Pradesh.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court Collegium’s decision underscores the judiciary’s proactive measures to address judicial vacancies and backlog, highlighting the practical relevance of Article 224-A. This historic move is set to provide immediate support to the Allahabad High Court and ensure that justice delivery remains prompt and effective.
