Has the Centre Appointed New Judges in Allahabad, Patna, and Uttarakhand High Courts?
Synopsis
In a significant move, the Centre has confirmed the appointment of four advocates as judges in prominent High Courts across the country. This decision follows recommendations from the Supreme Court Collegium, highlighting the importance of judicial appointments in maintaining the integrity of the legal system.
Key Takeaways
Four advocates have been appointed as judges in three High Courts.
The appointments are based on the Supreme Court Collegium's recommendations.
The decision reflects the government's commitment to uphold the rule of law.
Each appointee has a solid professional background and integrity.
Such appointments aim to maintain public trust in the judiciary.
New Delhi, Jan 5 (NationPress) The Centre has officially announced the appointment of four lawyers as judges across three High Courts, following the recommendations made by the Supreme Court Collegium.
In a statement via the social media platform X, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal highlighted that the President, utilizing the authority granted by the Constitution of India and after consulting with the Chief Justice of India (CJI), was delighted to appoint lawyers Ritesh Kumar and Praveen Kumar as judges of the Patna High Court.
Additionally, lawyer Jai Krishna Upadhyay has been designated as a judge for the Allahabad High Court, while lawyer Siddhartha Sah will serve as an additional judge at the Uttarakhand High Court, according to the minister.
These appointments are a direct result of earlier recommendations put forth by the Supreme Court Collegium.
In February 2025, the apex court Collegium, under the leadership of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, endorsed the proposal for appointing several lawyers, including Ritesh Kumar, as judges of the Patna High Court.
Similarly, lawyer Jai Krishna Upadhyay was included among those recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium in September 2025 for promotion to the Allahabad High Court. However, when 24 judges were appointed to the Allahabad High Court on September 26, 2025, his name was absent from the list approved by the Centre.
Regarding lawyer Siddhartha Sah, the Supreme Court Collegium had, in October 2023, recommended his promotion to the Uttarakhand High Court after evaluating his professional qualifications and suitability.
The Collegium reaffirmed that he has a solid reputation at the Bar, with no adverse information impacting his integrity.
“The remarks made by the Government should not obstruct the recommendation, especially since the evidence presented indicates that nothing negative has been reported regarding his integrity,” the Collegium stated in a message shared on the apex court’s website.
Point of View
It's vital to understand the implications of these judicial appointments. The Centre's decisions, especially those backed by the Supreme Court Collegium, reflect a commitment to uphold the rule of law and ensure that deserving candidates are elevated. Such moves are essential for maintaining public confidence in the judiciary and the broader legal system.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the advocates appointed as judges?
The advocates appointed include Ritesh Kumar and Praveen Kumar for the Patna High Court, Jai Krishna Upadhyay for the Allahabad High Court, and Siddhartha Sah as an additional judge for the Uttarakhand High Court.
What is the role of the Supreme Court Collegium?
The Supreme Court Collegium is responsible for recommending appointments and elevations of judges in the higher judiciary, ensuring that qualified candidates are chosen based on merit.
How does the appointment process work?
The President of India, after consulting the Chief Justice and following the recommendations from the Supreme Court Collegium, appoints judges to the High Courts.
