President Murmu Names Two New Judges To Allahabad High Court Bench

President Droupadi Murmu has appointed advocates Amitabh Kumar Rai and Rajiv Lochan Shukla as judges of the Allahabad High Court.

According to an official statement from the Ministry of Law and Justice issued on Saturday, their appointments will take effect from the date they assume charge of their respective offices.

The ministry confirmed that it decided the powers granted by the Constitution of India and in consultation with the Chief Justice of India.

Recent Appointment of Arun Kumar

This move follows the appointment of advocate Arun Kumar to the same court on September 1.

In a notification issued at the time, the Union Ministry of Law and Justice announced that President Murmu appointed Arun Kumar as a Judge of the Allahabad High Court under Article 217(1) of the Constitution, effective from the date he assumes charge of his office.

The Supreme Court Collegium, led by then Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, had recommended Kumar’s elevation in May 2023 after reviewing his professional record and receiving inputs from the Intelligence Bureau.

The Supreme Court Collegium initially deferred the recommendation in January due to certain observations. It later cleared the recommendation after the Department of Justice reported that there were ‘no additional inputs’ beyond the earlier feedback.

In its statement, the Collegium underlined Kumar’s 25 years of practice at the Bar and his experience handling constitutional, civil and revenue cases before the High Court. It concluded that he was ’eminently fit and suitable’ for appointment.

Under the memorandum of procedure, proposals for High Court judgeships begin with the Chief Justice of the High Court.

The Chief Minister or Governor forwards recommendations to the Union Minister of Law and Justice, who reviews them with background checks before sending them to the Chief Justice of India.

The Chief Justice then consults senior Supreme Court judges and finalises a recommendation.

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