The Centre has given the green light for the elevation of three Chief Justices to the Supreme Court of India, marking a significant development in the judiciary. Justice Satish Chandra Sharma of the Delhi High Court, Justice Augustine George Masih of the Rajasthan High Court, and Justice Sandeep Mehta of the Gauhati High Court have been cleared for appointment as Supreme Court judges.
Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, who has served as Chief Justice for over two years, is recognized for his extensive legal experience. The Collegium’s resolution praises his work, stating,
“The judgments authored by him dealing with issues in various branches of law stand testimony to his legal acumen and competence.”
His seniority is notable, as he is second in all-India seniority of High Court judges and first among judges from the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
Justice Augustine George Masih, with his elevation as Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court earlier this year, brings a wealth of experience to the bench. The Collegium notes,
“During his long tenure as a judge of the High Court, Justice Masih has acquired significant experience in diverse fields of law.”
His seniority is also emphasized, being seventh in the all-India High Court judges’ seniority list and first among judges from his parent High Court.
Justice Sandeep Mehta’s appointment is particularly noteworthy as it brings representation from the Rajasthan High Court, which currently does not have a presence on the Supreme Court bench. The Collegium remarks on his more than 12 years of service, stating,
“The judgments authored by him dealing with issues in various branches of law stand testimony to his legal acumen and competence.”
Justice Mehta is 23rd in the all-India High Court judges seniority list and first among judges from his parent High Court.
These appointments follow the Supreme Court Collegium’s recommendations, which were part of a detailed resolution dated September 26, 2023. The Collegium, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, has emphasized the importance of ensuring fair representation from different high courts, communities, and the need for gender diversity on the Supreme Court bench.
The new appointments are expected to fill existing vacancies and bring the Supreme Court closer to its full strength of 34 judges. The judiciary awaits the formal issuance of warrants of appointment by the President of India, after which the judges will be sworn in, further fortifying the apex court’s capacity to dispense justice.
