Two Newly Appointed Judges Sworn In At Allahabad High Court

The Allahabad High Court welcomed two new judges on Monday as Chief Justice Arun Bhansali administered the oath of office to Justice Amitabh Kumar Rai and Justice Rajeev Lochan Shukla.

The ceremony took place in the Chief Justice’s courtroom in Prayagraj, marking a significant step in strengthening the judiciary amidst rising caseloads and ongoing vacancies.

Due to the swearing-in proceedings, judicial business at the High Court began later than usual, at 10:45 AM.

Fellow judges, judicial officers, family members of the appointees, and a large number of advocates filled the courtroom to witness the important occasion.

The Registrar General, Rajeev Bharati, conducted the ceremonial proceedings.

The event was also live-streamed through circuit television to accommodate the wider legal community and ensure transparency.

High Court Judge Strength Rises to 86

With the inclusion of the two new appointees, the number of judges at the Allahabad High Court—excluding the Chief Justice—has now reached 86, against a sanctioned strength of 160.

This leaves 74 positions still vacant, highlighting the urgent need for continued appointments to manage the increasing judicial workload.

Justice Rajeev Lochan Shukla comes from a notable legal lineage. His grandfather, Justice Mahesh Narayan Shukla, served as Chief Justice of the High Court from 1983 to 1985.

Justice Shukla has been a practising advocate since 2002 and has earned recognition in both criminal and civil law.

Justice Amitabh Kumar Rai had been practising at the Lucknow Bench of the High Court prior to his elevation.

More than two dozen advocates, including Prashant Singh Atal, travelled from Lucknow to Prayagraj to attend the ceremony and extend their congratulations.

The event saw the presence of several key legal personalities, including Uttar Pradesh Advocate General Ajay Kumar Mishra, Additional Advocate Generals, Chief Standing Counsel, and Deputy Solicitor General of India SK Pal. Former government counsel Arun Kumar Mishra also attended the ceremony, among other senior legal figures.

The appointment of these two judges strengthens the judge-to-case ratio at one of the country’s busiest high courts and reinforces continuity and experience in India’s judicial system.

Also Read: Supreme Court Directs Election Commission To Accept Aadhaar As 12th Document For Bihar SIR