SC Relaxes Appointment Norms for HC Ad-Hoc Judges
Why focus: GS2 Polity. Direct test on Article 224A provisions. High probability for 'How-Many-Correct' on HC ad-hoc judge appointment rules.
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
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BEFORE: Ad-hoc appointments under Article 224A could only be initiated if judicial vacancies in a High Court exceeded 20% of its sanctioned strength. NOW: The Supreme Court has completely waived this 20% vacancy requirement to allow greater flexibility.
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BEFORE: Ad-hoc judges were appointed based on general arrears without a specific mandate for bench composition. NOW: High Courts are explicitly permitted to appoint two to five retired judges to form benches alongside sitting judges specifically to clear pending criminal appeals.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
Correct Statement(s)Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Article 224A of the Constitution of India deals with the appointment of retired judges at sittings of High Courts. 2. According to the recent Supreme Court directives, ad-hoc judges can only be appointed to High Courts if their judicial vacancies exceed 20% of the sanctioned strength.