Today, On 10th September, The Supreme Court Collegium recommended the elevation of three judicial officers as judges of the Madras High Court. Their names were initially suggested by the Madras High Court on April 23 earlier this year. This recommendation is part of ongoing efforts to fill judicial vacancies and strengthen the court’s capacity.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court Collegium, On Tuesday, recommended the elevation of three judicial officers to serve as judges in the Madras High Court.
These judicial officers were initially proposed for elevation by the Madras High Court Collegium on April 23 of this year.
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The three officers recommended for elevation are:
- R Poornima;
- M Jothiraman; and
- Augustine Devadoss Maria Clete.
According to the resolution, a Supreme Court judge with knowledge of the Madras High Court’s functioning consulted to evaluate the qualifications and suitability of the candidates.
The resolution highlighted that elevating Augustine Devadoss Maria Clete would increase minority representation on the Madras High Court Bench.
Additionally, the Collegium provided reasons for not selecting some other senior judicial officers for elevation.
The resolution stated,
“In reviewing the proposal, we have also noted that some senior judicial officers were not recommended. The High Court Collegium has provided clear and valid reasons for excluding their names, and we concur with their decision.”
As of September 1, the Madras High Court operating with 62 judges out of a sanctioned strength of 75, leaving 13 positions vacant.
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The Supreme Court Collegium recommended the confirmation of five additional judges of the Madras High Court as permanent judges.
The judges recommended for confirmation are:
(i) Justice Lekshmana Chandra Victoria Gowri
(ii) Justice Pillaipakkam Bahukutumbi Balaji
(iii) Justice Kandhasami Kulandaivelu Ramakrishnan
(iv) Justice Ramachandran Kalaimathi
(v) Justice K Govindarajan Thilakavadi
The elevation of R Poornima, M Jothiraman, and Augustine Devadoss Maria Clete to the Madras High Court is an important step toward strengthening the judiciary in Tamil Nadu and ensuring greater representation on the Bench. These appointments will likely contribute to a more efficient judiciary and further the cause of justice in the region.
Read Collegium Resolution