Two New Judges Appointed to Allahabad High Court: Boost for India’s Largest High Court
The Central Government has officially appointed two seasoned advocates, Amitabh Rai and Rajiv Lochan Shukla, as Judges of the Allahabad High Court. Their elevation marks an important step towards strengthening the country’s largest High Court, which continues to battle with one of the heaviest case backlogs in India.
Just a few days ago, another advocate, Shri Arun Kumar, took oath as Judge of the Allahabad High Court after the Centre cleared his long-pending appointment—nearly two years after the Supreme Court Collegium first recommended his name.
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The Collegium’s Role
The latest appointments stem from a March 25, 2025 recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium, then headed by Chief Justice Sanjeev Khanna. The Collegium carefully assessed the professional merit, integrity, and service records of both Amitabh Rai and Rajiv Lochan Shukla before forwarding their names to the Union Government.
Responding to this recommendation, the Ministry of Law and Justice issued the formal notification. Both advocates will join the Bench as Additional Judges, a position usually held for two years, after which they may be confirmed as permanent judges based on their performance and conduct.
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What Lies Ahead
The appointments come at a time when the Supreme Court Collegium has also recommended 26 more names for the Allahabad High Court, a move that, if cleared, could significantly improve the Court’s functioning. These recommendations are currently pending with the Central Government.
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Why This Matters
For litigants in Uttar Pradesh, where the Allahabad High Court serves as the ultimate pillar of justice, these appointments mean more than just numbers. With over 11 lakh cases pending (as per recent statistics), every new judge brings fresh energy, new perspectives, and much-needed capacity to the Bench.
For the legal fraternity, it is also a recognition of professional dedication. The journey of these advocates—from arguing in crowded courtrooms to now presiding over them—represents not only personal achievement but also a reassurance to the public that the judicial system is being strengthened, step by step.
As the Allahabad High Court prepares to welcome its new judges, there is renewed hope that the wheels of justice will turn a little faster, easing the burden of delay for thousands of people waiting for their day in court.
