Overview
The President of India, after consulting the Chief Justice of India, has appointed three new Additional Judges to the Andhra Pradesh High Court. The appointments were made under the powers granted by the Constitution of India.
Key Developments
- Smt. Sunitha Gandham appointed as an Additional Judge.
- Shri Alapati Giridhar appointed as an Additional Judge.
- Shri Purushottam Kumar Chintalapudi (also known as Ch. Purushottama Kumar (Jagannath Srinivasan)) appointed as an Additional Judge.
Important Facts
- The appointments were announced on 03 July 2026 by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) in Delhi.
- All three judges will serve on a temporary basis to help clear the growing case backlog in the High Court.
- The decision reflects the central government's effort to strengthen the judiciary at the state level.
Exam Relevance
Understanding judicial appointments is crucial for GS‑2 aspirants. The process illustrates the separation of powers, the role of the executive in judicial selections, and the constitutional safeguards that ensure independence of the judiciary. Candidates should note how the President’s powers are exercised in consultation with the Chief Justice of India, a practice established by the collegium system. Moreover, the appointment of Additional Judges highlights the judiciary’s response to case backlogs, a recurring theme in governance and legal reforms.
Way Forward
While the three appointments will provide immediate relief, long‑term solutions require:
- Increasing the number of permanent judges to match the growing population and case load.
- Strengthening infrastructure and digitisation of court processes to speed up case disposal.
- Periodic review of the collegium system to enhance transparency and accountability.
For UPSC preparation, students should track similar appointments across states, compare the use of Additional Judges versus permanent judges, and analyse how these moves affect the efficiency of the Indian judicial system.