Supreme Court Collegium Invokes Article 224A: Five Retired Judges Appointed to Allahabad High Court
Rare Constitutional Provision Used to Address Case Backlog
Ad Hoc Judges to Serve Two-Year Term in Allahabad HC
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: February 04, 2026:
The Supreme Court Collegium has taken an unprecedented step by invoking Article 224A of the Indian Constitution to appoint five retired judges as ad hoc judges in the Allahabad High Court. This is the first time the provision has been used in such a scale, marking a historic moment in India’s judicial system.
The decision comes amid growing concerns over the pendency of cases in the Allahabad High Court, which has one of the highest caseloads in the country. By appointing experienced retired judges, the Collegium hopes to strengthen judicial capacity and ensure faster disposal of cases.
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Who Are the Appointed Judges?
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The Collegium approved the appointment of the following retired judges:
- Justice Mohd. Faiz Alam Khan
- Justice Mohd. Aslam
- Justice Syed Aftab Husain Rizvi
- Justice Renu Agarwal
- Justice Jyotsna Sharma
These judges will serve for a two-year term and focus primarily on reducing the backlog of criminal cases.
What is Article 224A?
- Article 224A allows the Chief Justice of a High Court, with the President’s consent, to request retired judges of the Supreme Court or Courts High to sit temporarily as judges.
- The provision is rarely invoked and is meant to address judicial vacancies and excessive workload.
- The Supreme Court had earlier laid down guidelines for such appointments in the Lok Prahari v. Union of India (2021) case.
Why Was This Step Taken?
- Allahabad High Court faces one of the largest backlogs of cases in India, particularly criminal matters.
- The Collegium’s move is aimed at speeding up trials and appeals.
- It also reflects the judiciary’s willingness to use constitutional tools to address systemic challenges.
Also Read: Supreme Court: No Two Contradictory Orders Can Exist Against Same Single Judge Ruling
Impact of the Decision
For the Judiciary
- Strengthens judicial manpower without waiting for permanent appointments.
- Sets a precedent for other High Courts facing similar pendency issues.
For Litigants
- Faster disposal of cases, especially criminal trials.
- Reduced waiting time for justice, restoring public confidence in the system.
For Legal System
- Demonstrates flexibility in constitutional provisions.
- Encourages innovative solutions to long-standing problems of judicial delay.
Reactions from Legal Experts
- Legal scholars hailed the move as a “historic activation of a dormant provision.”
- Bar associations welcomed the appointments, noting that retired judges bring valuable experience.
- Some experts cautioned that ad hoc appointments should not replace the need for permanent judicial appointments.
Also Read: Supreme Court: Delayed Litigants Cannot Demand Relief Just Because Others Succeeded
Conclusion
The Supreme Court Collegium’s decision to invoke Article 224A and appoint five retired judges to the Allahabad High Court is a landmark in Indian judicial history. It reflects the judiciary’s proactive approach to tackling pendency and ensuring timely justice.
While this step provides immediate relief, experts stress that long-term solutions must include filling vacancies, increasing infrastructure, and modernising court processes. Nevertheless, this move is a powerful reminder that constitutional provisions can be used innovatively to strengthen justice delivery.
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