Has the Centre appointed a judge to the Allahabad High Court?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, the Centre has appointed advocate Arun Kumar as a judge of the Allahabad High Court. This decision follows extensive evaluations by the Supreme Court Collegium, emphasizing his qualifications and career in law. The appointment process involves multiple levels of scrutiny, ensuring only the best candidates serve in the judiciary.
Key Takeaways
- Arun Kumar appointed as a Judge of the Allahabad High Court.
- The appointment follows a thorough review by the Supreme Court Collegium.
- Kumar has over 25 years of legal experience.
- The appointment process includes multiple levels of scrutiny.
- The decision highlights the Centre's commitment to a qualified judiciary.
New Delhi, Sep 1 (NationPress) The Central Government has officially appointed advocate Arun Kumar as a Judge of the Allahabad High Court. A notification from the Union Ministry of Law and Justice stated, "In exercise of the power conferred by clause (1) of Article 217 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Arun Kumar, to be a Judge of the Allahabad High Court with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office."
Additionally, Justice Johnson John, Justice G.U. Girish, and Justice C.N. Pratheep Kumar, who were serving as additional judges, have been confirmed as Permanent Judges of the Kerala High Court.
In May 2023, the Supreme Court Collegium, led by then CJI DY Chandrachud, recommended his appointment, highlighting his "eminent fitness" for the role after a thorough examination of his professional history and feedback from the Intelligence Bureau (IB).
Initially, the Collegium had postponed the proposal in January 2023 due to specific IB observations.
Later, the Department of Justice submitted a report dated February 1, 2023, clarifying that the IB had "no additional inputs" beyond its previous observations.
The SC Collegium reiterated Kumar's extensive legal career and the favorable opinions expressed by consultee judges.
"The candidate, approximately 51 years old, meets the income criteria. He possesses over 25 years of experience at the Bar, handling a diverse array of cases before the High Court in constitutional, civil, and revenue matters," the statement noted.
"Considering that the Intelligence Bureau has no further specific inputs or verifiable information, the Collegium firmly believes that the candidate is exceptionally qualified for the position of Judge of the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad," the SC Collegium's statement concluded.
According to the memorandum of procedure (MoP) governing High Court judge appointments, the proposal must be initiated by the Chief Justice. If the Chief Minister intends to recommend a name, it should be submitted to the Chief Justice for consideration.
The Governor, advised by the Chief Minister, must forward his recommendation along with all relevant documents to the Union Minister of Law and Justice promptly, but no later than six weeks from the Chief Justice's proposal.
The Centre then reviews the proposal alongside other background information before presenting it to the CJI, who consults the two senior-most judges of the Supreme Court before finalizing a recommendation.
Following these consultations, the CJI will, within four weeks, relay his recommendation to the Union Minister of Law and Justice.
As stipulated in the MoP, once the President signs the appointment warrant, the Secretary of the Department of Justice will inform the Chief Justice, and a copy will be sent to the Chief Minister.
The Chief Minister will also announce the appointment and publish the necessary notification in the Gazette of India.
Point of View
Which is crucial for upholding the rule of law in our democratic society.
NationPress
04/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has been appointed as a judge of the Allahabad High Court?
Advocate Arun Kumar has been appointed as a judge of the Allahabad High Court by the Centre.
What is the process of appointing judges to the High Court?
The appointment process involves recommendations from the Chief Justice, reviews by the Centre, and consultations with senior judges of the Supreme Court.
What qualifications does Arun Kumar possess?
Arun Kumar has over 25 years of legal experience, handling a wide range of cases before the High Court.
What was the role of the Supreme Court Collegium in this appointment?
The Supreme Court Collegium evaluated Kumar's professional record and provided a recommendation based on his qualifications and fitness for the role.
What is the significance of this appointment?
This appointment underscores the importance of maintaining a qualified judiciary, crucial for upholding the rule of law.
