Appointment of an Additional Judge in the Delhi High Court

Why in News?

On 5 October 2026, the Central Government appointed Gurvinder Pal Singh as an Additional Judge of the Delhi High Court. The appointment was made by the President and is significant in the context of addressing judicial vacancies and managing the workload of High Courts.

Constitutional Provision

• The appointment of Additional Judges in High Courts is governed by Article 224 of the Constitution of India.

• Under Article 224(1), when there is a temporary increase in the business of a High Court or temporary vacancies in the office of judges, the President may appoint duly qualified persons as Additional Judges.

• Under Article 224(2), an Additional Judge can hold office for a period specified by the President, but this period cannot exceed two years. An Additional or Acting Judge cannot continue in office after attaining the age of 62 years.

Purpose of Additional Judges

• The provision is intended primarily to address temporary increases in judicial workload and temporary vacancies. Additional Judges can help strengthen judicial capacity and facilitate the disposal of pending cases.

Appointment Process

• The Collegium system plays an important role in the appointment of High Court judges. 

• Generally, the concerned High Court Collegium recommends names, which are subsequently considered through the prescribed process, including consideration by the Supreme Court Collegium. 

• The formal appointment is made by the President of India.

Additional Judge vs Acting Judge

• An Additional Judge is appointed to deal with a temporary increase in the workload of a High Court or temporary vacancies. 

• An Acting Judge, on the other hand, may be appointed when a judge, other than the Chief Justice, is unable to perform the duties of office due to absence or another reason.

• Both are covered under Article 224.

Related Constitutional Articles

• Article 217: Appointment and conditions of service of High Court Judges.

• Article 223: Appointment of an Acting Chief Justice of a High Court.

• Article 224: Appointment of Additional and Acting Judges.

• Article 224A: Appointment of retired judges to sit and act as judges of High Courts.

MCQ – English

Q. With reference to Additional Judges of High Courts, consider the following statements:

1. Their appointment is provided under Article 224 of the Constitution.

2. They may be appointed when there is a temporary increase in the business of a High Court.

3. Their tenure as an Additional Judge cannot exceed two years.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A) 1 only
(B) 1 and 2 only
(C) 2 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation: Article 224 provides for the appointment of Additional and Acting Judges of High Courts. Additional Judges may be appointed in cases of temporary increase in workload or temporary vacancies, and their tenure cannot exceed two years.