Centre Approves Appointment of Two Advocates as High Court Judges

The Central Government has approved the elevation of Advocate Ajit Kumar as a Judge of the Patna High Court and Advocate Tuhin Kumar Gedela as an Additional Judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice on Friday, the appointment of Advocate Ajit Kumar has been made under Article 217(1) of the Constitution of India. The President has appointed him as a judge of the Patna High Court with effect from the date he assumes charge.

The news of Advocate Tuhin Kumar Gedela’s appointment as an Additional Judge in the Andhra Pradesh High Court was announced by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on social media on 1 August 2025.

Background and Collegium Recommendations

The Supreme Court Collegium had recommended Advocate Ajit Kumar’s name for appointment as a judge of the Patna High Court on 3 July 2025, while the proposal for Advocate Tuhin Kumar Gedela was made a day earlier, on 2 July 2025, for the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

Judicial Strength Update

As of 1 August 2025, the Patna High Court is functioning with 36 judges against a sanctioned strength of 53, leaving 17 vacancies.

Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh High Court currently has 28 sitting judges against its sanctioned capacity of 37, resulting in 9 vacant posts.

These appointments are expected to improve the functioning and reduce the burden on the respective High Courts.