What is Article 224 of Indian Constitution – Defination & Meaning

Article 224: Appointment of additional and acting Judges (1) If by reason of any temporary increase in the business of a High Court or by reason of arrears of
📅 Part VI – The States
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Article Number

224

part

Part VI – The States

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Active

Full Definition & Explanation

Article 224 of the Indian Constitution allows for the appointment of additional and acting judges in High Courts under specific conditions. This provision is key during times when there is a temporary surge in cases or major backlog in the courts. The President of India can appoint these judges, but only after consulting the National Judicial Appointments Commission. This ensures that the judicial process remains efficient and that cases do not pile up, impacting the right to justice for citizens. The article outlines two main scenarios for appointing judges. First, if there is an increase in the workload of a High Court, the President can appoint additional judges for a maximum period of two years. This flexibility helps the judiciary manage fluctuating case loads effectively. Second, if a current judge is unable to fulfill their duties due to absence or other reasons, the President can appoint someone to act temporarily until the permanent judge resumes their work. This provision is critical for maintaining judicial continuity and ensuring that justice is not delayed. There are limits to these appointments as well. No additional or acting judge can hold office after reaching the age of 62 years. This age restriction ensures that judges can serve without compromising their capacity to perform their duties effectively. Overall, Article 224 plays a major role in maintaining the efficacy and efficiency of the judiciary, helping to ensure timely justice for individuals seeking redress in the courts.

Historical Context

This provision is key during times when there is a temporary surge in cases or major backlog in the courts. The President of India can appoint these judges, but only after consulting the National Judicial Appointments Commission. This ensures that the judicial process remains efficient and that cases do not pile up, impacting the right to justice for citizens. The article outlines two main scenarios for appointing judges. Article 224 of the Indian Constitution allows for the appointment of additional and acting judges in High Courts under specific conditions. First, if there is an increase in the workload of a High Court, the President can appoint additional judges for a maximum period of two years.

Key Features

– The President can appoint additional judges for High Courts.
– Judges can serve for a maximum of two years.
– The National Judicial Appointments Commission must be consulted for appointments.
– Acting judges fill in for absent judges temporarily.
– No judge can serve beyond the age of sixty-two years.

Importance & Impact

– It helps manage increased case loads in High Courts effectively.
– Ensures continuity in judicial functions during a judge’s absence
– Promotes timely justice by reducing case backlogs
– Maintains the quality of judicial appointments through consultation
– Supports the independence of the judiciary in maintaining its functions.

Sample UPSC Question

Which of the following statements about Article 224 of the Indian Constitution is correct? Consider that: Article 224 of the Indian Constitution allows for the appointment of additional and acting judges in High Courts under specific conditions in the context of Article 224. A) It allows for the appointment of judges for life. B) It mandates the appointment of additional judges during increased workload. C) Additional judges can serve beyond the age of sixty-five. D) The Chief Justice appoints additional judges without consultation. Select the correct answer.

Answer

The correct answer is B. Article 224 allows for the appointment of additional judges in High Courts during times of increased workload, ensuring timely justice. Article 224 of the Indian Constitution allows for the appointment of additional and acting judges in High Courts under specific conditions.

Key Takeaways

✓ The President can appoint additional judges during busy periods.
✓ Acting judges temporarily fill in for absent judges.
✓ Judges appointed cannot exceed the age of sixty-two.
✓ Consultation with the National Judicial Appointments Commission is required.
✓ Timely justice is promoted through these provisions

FAQs

Article 224 of the Indian Constitution allows for the appointment of additional and acting judges in High Courts under specific conditions. This provision is key during times when there is a temporary surge in cases or major backlog in the courts. The President of India can appoint these judges, but only after consulting the National Judicial Appointments Commission.

This flexibility helps the judiciary manage fluctuating case loads effectively. Second, if a current judge is unable to fulfill their duties due to absence or other reasons, the President can appoint someone to act temporarily until the permanent judge resumes their work. This provision is critical for maintaining judicial continuity and ensuring that justice is not delayed.

No additional or acting judge can hold office after reaching the age of 62 years. This age restriction ensures that judges can serve without compromising their capacity to perform their duties effectively. Overall, Article 224 plays a major role in maintaining the efficacy and efficiency of the judiciary, helping to ensure timely justice for individuals seeking redress in the courts.

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Founder and Editor-in-Chief at StudyHub. Pramod has spent over 7 years tracking Indian government recruitments and analyzing exam trends. He oversees the StudyHub editorial board, managing a dedicated team of subject-matter experts across History, Polity, Geography, Geology, and General Sciences. His mission is to ensure that every job alert and study resource published on StudyHub is 100% verified, accurate, and helpful for competitive exam aspirants.
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