Collegium’s Master Move – Article 224A Brings Back 5 Retired Judges to Allahabad High Court
(By Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
Delhi,3, February,2026-In a significant development underscoring the judiciary’s proactive stance against case backlogs, the Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the appointment of five retired judges as ad hoc judges of the Allahabad High Court. This decision, taken on February 3, 2026, marks a rare invocation of Article 224A of the Constitution of India, a provision that empowers the Chief Justice of a High Court, with the President’s consent, to appoint retired judges to temporarily serve on the bench.
The Appointed Judges
The Collegium cleared the following names for appointment:
- Justice Mohd. Faiz Alam Khan
- Justice Mohd. Aslam
- Justice Syed Aftab Husain Rizvi
- Justice Renu Agarwal
- Justice Jyotsna Sharma
These judges will serve for two years, reinforcing the Allahabad High Court’s capacity to address its massive pendency of cases, which has long been a concern for litigants and the justice delivery system.
Constitutional and Judicial Significance
- Article 224A is seldom invoked, making this decision a judicial milestone.
- The move reflects the Supreme Court’s recognition that justice delayed is justice denied, and that extraordinary measures are necessary to uphold the constitutional promise of timely justice.
- By appointing experienced former judges, the Collegium ensures that the High Court benefits from seasoned judicial minds who can immediately contribute without the learning curve required for new appointees.
Addressing Pendency and Vacancies
The Allahabad High Court, one of the largest in the country, has been grappling with huge vacancies and an overwhelming docket of pending cases. The Collegium’s decision is a strategic intervention to alleviate this burden, ensuring that litigants’ grievances are heard and resolved with greater efficiency.
Symbolism and Judicial Flair
This move carries symbolic weight:
- It demonstrates the Supreme Court’s resolve to innovate within constitutional boundaries to strengthen the justice system.
- It sends a message that the judiciary is willing to reimagine its own processes to safeguard citizens’ rights.
- It elevates retired judges into the role of guardians of justice once again, reaffirming the judiciary’s collective responsibility to uphold the rule of law.
