The sanctioned strength refers to the total number of judges authorized by the government or relevant legal provisions. The Allahabad High Court has a sanctioned strength of 160 judges, which includes both permanent and additional judges.
The Allahabad High Court handles a significant number of cases due to Uttar Pradesh’s large population and the high number of litigations in the state, making it one of India’s most populous states. The court also serves the state of Uttarakhand, which was carved out as a separate state in 2000. Despite the sanctioned strength of 160 judges, the court has often operated with fewer judges.
As of 1 November 2020, the court had only 59 permanent judges and 41 additional judges, totaling 100 judges, which is a shortfall of 60 judges. This shortage has led to a backlog of cases and delays in the judicial process, a common challenge in many Indian courts due to insufficient judicial staff and resources. The shortage of judges in the Allahabad High Court has had a direct impact on its ability to manage its caseload efficiently. It has resulted in longer waiting times for cases to be heard and an increasing backlog of cases.
Efforts have been made to increase the number of judges in Indian high courts, including Allahabad, to address these issues and ensure the judicial system remains accessible to the public.
The Allahabad High Court is one of the oldest and most important high courts in India, having been established in 1866.
It plays a significant role in interpreting laws and providing justice in matters related to civil, criminal, and constitutional issues.
The court is also a court of record, meaning its decisions are authoritative and can be cited as precedent in other courts.
The Allahabad High Court has the largest sanctioned strength of judges among Indian high courts, but it has struggled to fill its complement of 160 judges.This shortage has affected the court’s ability to efficiently handle the vast number of cases brought before it, contributing to delays and a growing backlog. Efforts to increase judicial appointments and improve judicial infrastructure are essential to address these challenges and ensure the timely delivery of justice.
