The appointment of Abdul Shahid and Zafir Ahmed is seen as a step forward for representation of Muslims in the country’s judicial system
NEW DELHI/LUCKNOW — In a significant development, the central government has approved the appointment of five new judges to the Allahabad High Court, including two seasoned Muslim judicial officers – Abdul Shahid and Zafir Ahmed. This is being seen by many as a long overdue step in addressing the deep concerns over poor representation of Muslims in the country’s higher judiciary.
The appointments were cleared following the recommendation of the Supreme Court Collegium. Both Abdul Shahid and Zafir Ahmed have served in various important judicial roles across Uttar Pradesh and bring with them decades of legal experience.
The inclusion of two Muslim judges is being described by members of the legal fraternity and civil society as a rare but important gesture towards inclusivity in the judiciary.
“This is not just a personal achievement for the two judges,” said Advocate Rizwan Ali from Lucknow. “It gives hope to the entire community. For decades, Muslims have been underrepresented in the high courts and the Supreme Court. These appointments are a welcome sign, but more must follow.”
Justice Abdul Shahid has served as the District and Sessions Judge in Pilibhit and was previously posted in districts such as Rae Bareli, Pratapgarh and Amethi. Colleagues who worked under him describe him as a “fair and balanced officer” with a reputation for integrity.
“Justice Shahid is known for his sharp legal mind and simple lifestyle,” said a retired judicial officer who did not wish to be named. “His decisions were always well-reasoned and respected by both the Bar and the Bench.”
Justice Zafir Ahmed also brings rich experience to the high court. He has served as District Judge in Gonda, Amroha, Jhansi, and Badaun, and has also presided over the Commercial Court in Lucknow.
“He understands not just the letter of the law but also the social realities of the common man,” said senior advocate Farzana Mehdi from Badaun. “His presence in the high court is a positive development for justice delivery.”
Along with the two Muslim judges, three other appointments have been made: Justices Pramod Kumar Srivastava, Santosh Rai and Tej Pratap Tiwari. All five appointments were approved by the President of India under Article 217(1) of the Constitution.
These new judges will assume charge shortly and are expected to begin work from the date of their appointment.
Interestingly, the names of Abdul Shahid and Tej Pratap Tiwari were included in an earlier list of eight judges sent in April 2025, but were not cleared at the time. The re-nomination and final approval this time suggest a change in the government’s approach, possibly due to growing criticism about the lack of diversity in India’s higher judiciary.
A senior lawyer at the Allahabad High Court said, “Their names had been pending for months. It is good that the government finally gave the green signal. But why the delay in the first place? Why are Muslim names always at the bottom of the priority list?”
According to legal experts and human rights advocates, the number of Muslim judges in the higher judiciary remains shockingly low, despite Muslims being one of the largest minority communities in India. Out of over 750 high court judges across the country, only a handful are Muslims.
“There is always talk of merit when it comes to Muslim names, but never when it comes to others,” said Prof Shah Alam, a legal scholar from Aligarh. “Muslims have to be twice as qualified to get half the recognition.”
He added, “Even in Uttar Pradesh, where Muslims form more than 19 per cent of the population, their representation in the high court remains dismal. Appointment of two judges is not enough. It is just a beginning.”
With these five appointments, the total number of sitting judges in the Allahabad High Court has gone up to 89. The sanctioned strength is 160, meaning that the court is still functioning with a serious shortage of judges.
Judicial reforms activists have pointed out that increasing the number of judges is essential for clearing the large backlog of cases. But they also insist that representation must not be sacrificed in the name of speed.
“This appointment is historic, but we cannot be satisfied,” said Maulana Hamid of the All India Muslim Judicial Forum. “We will continue to ask for fair representation of all communities. Justice must not only be delivered, it must also be seen to be delivered by a bench that reflects India’s diversity.”
In many Muslim households in Uttar Pradesh, the news of the appointment of Abdul Shahid and Zafir Ahmed has brought a sense of quiet pride.
“Our children now have real examples to look up to,” said Asma Bano, a schoolteacher in Pilibhit. “We often tell them to study and work hard, but they need to see someone like them in high positions. This matters.”
For young Muslim lawyers who often struggle with systemic bias and discrimination, the news is nothing short of inspiring.
“I am proud today,” said Saif Anwar, a young advocate at the Allahabad High Court. “We want to serve this country. We want justice. We only ask for equal opportunity.”
