Explore the journey of India’s Supreme Court judges from their parent High Courts to the apex bench. Understand their careers, appointments, and the Collegium system that shapes the nation’s highest judiciary.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India is the guardian of our Constitution and the highest institution of justice. But have you ever wondered where the judges of the Supreme Court come from?
Every judge in the Supreme Court begins their higher judicial career in a High Court, which becomes their parent High Court. Over the years, patterns of appointment show that some High Courts act as “main contributors,” sending a higher share of judges to the Supreme Court, while others remain underrepresented.
Supreme Court of India
The Supreme Court of India, the apex judicial body, was established on 26 January 1950 under Article 124 of the Constitution. It was inaugurated on 28 January 1950 in the Chamber of Princes of the old Parliament House, before moving to its current building on Tilak Marg, New Delhi, in 1958, inaugurated by President Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
The building, symbolizing the scales of justice, has undergone three major extensions (1979, 1994, 2015), and an Additional Building Complex was inaugurated in 2019. Notable features include statues of Mahatma Gandhi (1996) and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (2023).
Originally comprising a Chief Justice and 7 judges, the Court’s sanctioned strength has increased over time to the present 34 judges. Judges sit in smaller benches (2–3) and form Constitution Benches of 5 or more for significant constitutional questions.
Proceedings are conducted in English, regulated by the Supreme Court Rules, 2013, and related service regulations.
Constitutional Provisions of Supreme Court of India:
The Constitution of India establishes the Supreme Court under Part V, Chapter IV (The Union Judiciary). Articles 124 to 147 lay down its organisation, independence, jurisdiction, powers, and procedures. Article 124(1) specifically provides for a Supreme Court comprising the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and up to seven other judges, unless Parliament prescribes a larger number.
The Court exercises original, appellate, and advisory jurisdiction, along with several other powers, making it the final authority in upholding constitutional governance and justice in the country.
Jurisdiction:
The Supreme Court of India exercises original, appellate, and advisory jurisdiction. Its original jurisdiction covers disputes between the Union and States, enforcement of Fundamental Rights under Article 32, and transfer of cases between courts. It also hears appeals in civil and criminal matters, grants special leave under Article 136, and provides advisory opinions to the President under Article 143. The Court can punish for contempt (Articles 129 & 142), review and reconsider its judgments, and has pioneered Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to widen access to justice. It also provides free and affordable legal aid to weaker sections and operates a Mediation Centre.
India has 25 High Courts, three with jurisdiction over multiple states. High Courts, headed by a Chief Justice, exercise powers of superintendence over subordinate courts and can issue writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights. Each State has an Advocate General to advise the government.
Additionally, Lok Adalats, functioning under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, provide an alternative dispute resolution mechanism. Their awards carry the same weight as a civil court decree and are binding on parties.
Appointment of Judges in the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of India currently has 34 judges (CJI + 33). Under Article 124(3), a judge must be an Indian citizen with at least five years as a High Court judge, ten years as an advocate, or be a distinguished jurist. Judges are appointed by the President under Article 124(2), in consultation with the judiciary, through the Collegium System (CJI + four senior-most judges).
Judges hold office until the age of 65 years, may resign to the President, and receive salaries and allowances charged on the Consolidated Fund of India. They cannot practice law after retirement, though under Article 128, retired judges can be recalled for temporary service.
Removal requires a special majority in both Houses of Parliament for proved misbehaviour or incapacity, making judicial tenure secure and independent.
Collegium System of Judicial Appointments in India:
The Collegium System is a Judicial mechanism for appointing and transferring judges of the Supreme Court & High Courts. It is not mentioned in the Constitution, but evolved from the Three Judges Cases.
Evolution:
- First Judges Case (1981) – Executive primacy in appointments.
- Second Judges Case (1993) – “Consultation = Concurrence”; birth of Collegium (CJI + 2 senior-most judges).
- Third Judges Case (1998) – Expanded Collegium to CJI + 4 senior-most judges.
Composition:
- SC Collegium – CJI + 4 senior-most SC judges.
- HC Collegium – Chief Justice of HC + 2 senior-most HC judges.
Government Role: May raise objections, but if Collegium reiterates, the decision is binding.
Constitutional Basis:
- Article 124 – SC judges’ appointment.
- Article 217 – HC judges’ appointment.
- Articles 126–128 – Acting CJI, Ad hoc, and Retired Judges.
Appointment Process:
- CJI – Successor recommended by outgoing CJI (seniority).
- SC Judges – Recommended by Collegium → Law Minister → PM → President.
- HC Judges – Appointed by the President in consultation with the CJI, Governor, and HC Chief Justice.
Judges of the Supreme Court and their Parent High Courts
The Supreme Court of India currently comprises 34 judges, including the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and 33 other judges.
- Chief Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai
Born 24th November 1960 at Amravati, began his legal career at the Bombay High Court (Nagpur Bench), practicing primarily in Constitutional and Administrative Law. He served as Government Pleader and was elevated as Additional Judge in 2003 and permanent Judge in 2005. He joined the Supreme Court on 24th May 2019 and became Chief Justice of India on 14th May 2025. He has authored over 300 judgments across various areas of law.
Parent High Court: Bombay High Court (Nagpur Bench)
Retirement: 23rd November 2025
- Justice Surya Kant
Born 10th February 1962 at Hisar, Haryana, began his legal career at the District Court, Hisar, in 1984 and later practiced at the Punjab and Haryana High Court, specializing in Constitutional, Service, and Civil matters. He served as the youngest Advocate General of Haryana in 2000 and was designated Senior Advocate in 2001. Elevated as a permanent Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2004, he later became Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in 2018. He joined the Supreme Court of India on 24th May 2019 and currently serves as Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee.
Parent High Court: Punjab and Haryana High Court
Retirement: 9th February 2027
- Justice Vikram Nath
born 24 September 1962, enrolled with the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh in 1987. He was elevated as Additional Judge of the Allahabad High Court in 2004 and became a permanent Judge in 2006. He served as Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court in 2019 before being elevated to the Supreme Court of India on 31 August 2021. Notably, he was the first Chief Justice of a High Court in India to live-stream court proceedings on YouTube.
Parent High Court: Allahabad High Court
Retirement: 23 September 2027
- Justice J.K. Maheshwari
born 29 June 1961 in Joura, Madhya Pradesh, enrolled as an advocate in 1985 and practiced in Civil, Criminal, Constitutional, Service, and Tax matters. He was elevated as Additional Judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court in 2005 and became a permanent judge in 2008. He later served as Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court (2019) and Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court (2021) before being elevated to the Supreme Court of India on 31 August 2021.
Parent High Court: Madhya Pradesh High Court
- Justice B.V. Nagarathna
Born 30 October 1962 in Bengaluru, began his legal career in 1987 and practiced independently from 1994, handling administrative, constitutional, commercial, and family law. He was appointed Additional Judge of the Karnataka High Court in 2008 and became a permanent judge in 2010. He served as President of the Karnataka Judicial Academy and Bangalore Mediation Centre, and contributed to the Supreme Court’s book Courts of India. He was elevated to the Supreme Court of India on 31 August 2021.
Parent High Court: Karnataka High Court
Retirement: 29 October 2027
- Justice M.M. Sundresh
He completed his B.A. at Loyola College, Chennai and B.L. at Madras Law College. Enrolled as an advocate in 1985, he served as Government Advocate from 1991 to 1996. He was appointed Additional Judge of the Madras High Court in 2009 and became a permanent judge in 2011. He also served as President of the Tamil Nadu State Judicial Academy before being elevated to the Supreme Court of India on 31 August 2021.
Parent High Court: Madras High Court
- Justice Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha
Born 3 May 1963 in Hyderabad, graduated from Nizam College and earned his law degree from Campus Law Centre, Delhi University in 1988. Enrolled as an advocate the same year, he practiced extensively before the High Court, Civil Courts, Tribunals in Hyderabad, and the Supreme Court of India, specializing in constitutional, administrative, environmental, and regulatory law. He was designated Senior Advocate in 2008 and served as Additional Solicitor General of India in 2014, representing India in international tribunals and arbitration. He was directly elevated from the Bar to the Supreme Court of India on 31 August 2021.
Parent High Court: Practiced extensively before Telangana/Andhra Pradesh High Courts (Hyderabad)
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- Justice J.B. Pardiwala
Born 12 August 1965 in Mumbai, began his legal career at Valsad in 1989 and later practiced at the Gujarat High Court, Ahmedabad from 1990, handling all branches of law. He served as Member of the Bar Council of Gujarat, Standing Counsel for the High Court of Gujarat, and was involved with the Gujarat High Court Legal Services Authority. Elevated as Additional Judge in 2011 and permanent Judge in 2013, he was elevated to the Supreme Court of India on 9 May 2022.
Parent High Court: Gujarat High Court
- Justice Dipankar Datta
Born 9 February 1965 in Calcutta, graduated from Hazra Law College, University of Calcutta, and enrolled as an advocate in 1989. He practiced extensively before the Calcutta High Court, other High Courts, tribunals, and the Supreme Court, representing the State, Union, and statutory authorities. Elevated as a permanent Judge of the Calcutta High Court in 2006, he later served as Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court in 2020 before being elevated to the Supreme Court of India on 12 December 2022.
Parent High Court: Calcutta High Court
Retirement: 8 February 2030
- Justice Pankaj Mithal
Born 17 June 1961 in Meerut, comes from a family of lawyers. He graduated in B.Com (Hons) from the University of Allahabad and earned his law degree from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut. Enrolled in 1985, he practiced primarily in civil, service, constitutional, and miscellaneous matters at the Allahabad High Court, serving also as Standing Counsel for various state bodies. He was elevated as Additional Judge of the Allahabad High Court in 2006, later served as Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court (2021) and Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court (2022), before being elevated to the Supreme Court of India on 6 February 2023.
Parent High Court: Allahabad High Court
Retirement: 16 June 2026
- Justice Sanjay Karol
Born 23 August 1961 in Garli, Himachal Pradesh, graduated with B.A. (Hons) and law degrees from Himachal Pradesh University. He practiced across various forums, served as Advocate General of Himachal Pradesh (1998–2003), and was designated Senior Advocate in 1999. Elevated as a Judge of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in 2007, he later served as Chief Justice of Tripura High Court (2018) and at the Patna High Court (2019) before being elevated to the Supreme Court of India on 6 February 2023.
Parent High Court: Himachal Pradesh High Court
- Justice Sanjay Kumar
Born 14 August 1963 in Hyderabad, began his legal practice in 1988. He was appointed Additional Judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in 2008 and became a permanent judge in 2010. He served on the Telangana High Court (2019) and Punjab & Haryana High Court (2019), before being elevated as Chief Justice of Manipur High Court in 2021. He joined the Supreme Court of India on 6 February 2023.
Parent High Court: Andhra Pradesh High Court
Retirement: 13 August 2028
- Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah
Born 11 May 1963, completed B.Sc. (Hons.) and LL.B., and enrolled with the Bihar State Bar Council in 1991. He practiced predominantly in the Patna High Court, specializing in Constitutional and Service law, and appeared before various High Courts, tribunals, and administrative bodies. He served as Standing Counsel, Government Advocate for Bihar, Special Counsel for the Income Tax Department, and held multiple positions in legal education and legal aid committees. Elevated as a Judge of the Patna High Court in 2011, he was transferred to the Andhra Pradesh High Court in 2021, re-transferred to Patna in 2022, and elevated to the Supreme Court of India on 6 February 2023.
Parent High Court: Patna High Court
- Justice Manoj Misra
Born 2 June 1965, graduated in law from the University of Allahabad in 1988 and enrolled as an advocate the same year. He practiced for over two decades at the Allahabad High Court, handling Civil, Revenue, Criminal, and Constitutional matters. He was appointed Additional Judge of the Allahabad High Court in 2011 and became a permanent judge in 2013. He was elevated to the Supreme Court of India on 6 February 2023.
Parent High Court: Allahabad High Court
Retirement: 1 June 2030
- Justice Rajesh Bindal
Born 16 April 1961 at Ambala City, Haryana, obtained his LL.B. from Kurukshetra University in 1985 and enrolled as an advocate at the Punjab & Haryana High Court the same year. He represented various government departments, including the Income Tax Department, Employees Provident Fund Organization, and Chandigarh Administration, and was involved in the Satluj Yamuna Water dispute before the Supreme Court. Elevated as a Judge of Punjab & Haryana High Court in 2006, he later served in the High Courts of Jammu & Kashmir, Calcutta, and Allahabad, including as Chief Justice. He was elevated to the Supreme Court of India on 13 February 2023.
Parent High Court: Punjab & Haryana High Court
- Justice Aravind Kumar
Completed his schooling and college in Bengaluru, earning a degree from National College and a law degree from Bengaluru University. Enrolled as an advocate in 1987, he initially practiced in trial courts and later at the High Court of Karnataka, where he served as Additional Central Government Standing Counsel and Assistant Solicitor General of India. He was appointed Additional Judge of Karnataka High Court in 2009 and became a permanent judge in 2012. Later, he served as Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court from 2021 to 2023 before being elevated to the Supreme Court of India on 13 February 2023.
Parent High Court: Karnataka High Court
- Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra
Born on 29 August 1964 in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh. He earned his B.Sc. and LL.B. from Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur. Enrolled as an advocate in 1987, he practiced in the District Court of Raigarh, Madhya Pradesh High Court (Jabalpur), and Chhattisgarh High Court (Bilaspur), handling civil, criminal, and writ matters. Designated as Senior Advocate in 2005, he served as Additional Advocate General and then Advocate General of Chhattisgarh. He was appointed Judge of Chhattisgarh High Court in 2009 and served as Acting Chief Justice in 2021 before becoming Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court. Elevated to the Supreme Court of India on 19 May 2023.
Parent High Court: Chhattisgarh High Court
- Justice K.V. Viswanathan
Born on 26 May 1966. He graduated with first rank in law from Coimbatore Law College, Bharathiar University and enrolled as an advocate in 1988. He practiced extensively in the Supreme Court and various High Courts, chambered with senior advocates including K.K. Venugopal. Designated as Senior Advocate in 2009, he also served as Additional Solicitor General of India (2013–2014) and appeared as amicus curiae in several landmark cases. He contributed to NALSA, Supreme Court Legal Services Committee, and legal reform commissions. Elevated directly from the Bar to the Supreme Court of India on 19 May 2023.
Parent High Court: Direct elevation from the Bar
- Justice Ujjal Bhuyan
Born on 2 August 1964 in Guwahati. He completed his LL.B. from Government Law College, Guwahati, and LL.M. from Gauhati University. Enrolled as an advocate in 1991, he practiced extensively in the Gauhati High Court and its various benches, serving as Standing Counsel for Income Tax Department, Additional Government Advocate (Meghalaya), and Additional Advocate General (Assam). Designated Senior Advocate in 2010, he was elevated as Additional Judge of Gauhati High Court in 2011 and confirmed in 2013. He later served in Bombay High Court (2019) and Telangana High Court, becoming Chief Justice in 2022. He was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 14 July 2023.
Parent High Court: Gauhati High Court
- Justice Sarasa Venkatanarayana Bhatti
Born on 6 May 1962. Enrolled in the Bar Council of Andhra Pradesh in 1987, he practiced at the High Court of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad, serving as Standing Counsel and Special Government Pleader. Elevated as a Judge of the High Court of Andhra Pradesh in 2013, he also served in the High Court of Kerala, becoming its Chief Justice in June 2023. He was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 14 July 2023.
Parent High Court: Andhra Pradesh High Court
- Justice Satish Chandra Sharma
Born on 30 November 1961 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Enrolled as an advocate in 1984, he practiced Constitutional, Service, Civil, and Criminal matters before the Madhya Pradesh High Court, Jabalpur. Elevated as a Judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court in 2008, he later served in Karnataka, Telangana, and Delhi High Courts, including as Chief Justice. He was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 9 November 2023.
Parent High Court: Madhya Pradesh High Court
- Justice Augustine George Masih
Born on 12 March 1963 at Ropar, Punjab. Enrolled as an advocate in 1987, he practiced Constitutional, Service, Labour, and Civil matters before the Punjab & Haryana High Court and other courts. Elevated as a Judge of the Punjab & Haryana High Court in 2008, he later served as Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court. He was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 9 November 2023.
Parent High Court: Punjab & Haryana High Court
- Justice Sandeep Mehta
Practiced in Trial Courts, High Court, and the Supreme Court, and served as counsel in multiple Judicial Enquiry Commissions. He held key positions in the Bar Council of Rajasthan. Elevated as Additional Judge of the Rajasthan High Court in 2011 and became permanent in 2013. Served as Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court from February 2023. Elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 9 November 2023.
Parent High Court: Rajasthan High Court
- Justice Prasanna Bhalachandra Varale
Born on 23 June 1962 at Nippani, practiced primarily at the Bombay High Court, Aurangabad Bench, handling civil and criminal matters. He also served as Assistant Government Pleader, Additional Public Prosecutor, and Additional Standing Counsel for the Union of India. Elevated to the Bombay High Court on 18 July 2008, he became Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court on 15 October 2022. Sworn in as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 25 January 2024.
Parent High Court: Bombay High Court
- Justice N. Kotiswar Singh
Born in Imphal, Manipur, practiced under the Gauhati High Court and served as Advocate General of Manipur. Elevated as Additional Judge in 2011 and Judge of Manipur High Court in 2013. Served as Chief Justice of Manipur High Court and later Gauhati High Court. Sworn in as Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court on 15 February 2023. Elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 18 July 2024.
Parent High Court: Gauhati High Court
- Justice R. Mahadevan
Born on 10 June 1963 at Chennai, practiced civil, criminal, and tax matters and served as Government Pleader and Central Government Standing Counsel. Elevated as a Judge of Madras High Court in 2013, served as Acting Chief Justice in 2024, and appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 18 July 2024.
Parent High Court: Madras High Court
- Justice Manmohan
Alumnus of Modern School, Hindu College, and Campus Law Centre, enrolled as an Advocate in 1987, practiced in the Supreme Court and Delhi High Court, and was designated Senior Advocate in 2003. Elevated as Judge of Delhi High Court in 2008, served as Acting Chief Justice in 2023 and Chief Justice in 2024, and appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 5 December 2024.
Parent High Court: Delhi High Court
- Justice K. Vinod Chandran
Born 25 April 1963, enrolled as Advocate in 1991, practiced in Kerala, served as Special Government Pleader (Taxes) 2007–2011, elevated as Judge of Kerala High Court in 2011, became Chief Justice of Patna High Court in 2023, and appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 16 January 2025.
Parent High Court: Kerala High Court
- Justice Joymalya Bagchi
Born 3 October 1966, enrolled as Advocate in 1991, practiced in Calcutta High Court, other High Courts, and the Supreme Court of India, specializing in criminal and constitutional law. Elevated as Judge of Calcutta High Court in 2011, briefly transferred to Andhra Pradesh High Court in 2021, and appointed as Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 17 March 2025.
Parent High Court: Calcutta High Court
- Justice Nilay Vipinchandra Anjaria
Born 23 March 1965 at Ahmedabad, enrolled as Advocate in 1988, practiced in Gujarat High Court in constitutional, civil, labour, and service matters, and served as Standing Counsel for various state bodies. Elevated as Additional Judge of Gujarat High Court on 21 November 2011, became permanent in 2013, and appointed Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court on 25 February 2024. Elevated as Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 30 May 2025.
Parent High Court: Gujarat High Court
- Justice Vijay Bishnoi
Born 26 March 1964 in Jodhpur, enrolled as Advocate in 1989, practiced at Rajasthan High Court and CAT, handling civil, criminal, constitutional, service, and election matters, and served as counsel for various government departments and PSUs. Elevated as Additional Judge of Rajasthan High Court on 8 January 2013, became permanent on 7 January 2015, and appointed Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court on 5 February 2024. Elevated as Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 30 May 2025.
Parent High Court: Rajasthan High Court
Retirement: 25 March 2029
- Justice Atul Sharachchandra Chandurkar
Born 7 April 1965 at Bhusawal, Maharashtra, graduated in Commerce from Ness Wadia College, Pune, and obtained a law degree from ILS Law College, Pune. Enrolled as Advocate in 1988, practiced mainly on civil matters in trial and appellate courts, and represented local bodies and corporations. Elevated as Additional Judge of Bombay High Court on 21 June 2013, became permanent on 2 March 2016.
Parent High Court: Bombay High Court
Elevated as Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 30 May 2025
- Justice Alok Aradhe
Born 13 April 1964, studied B.Sc. and LL.B., enrolled as Advocate on 12 July 1988. Practiced mainly in Civil, Constitutional, Arbitration, and Company law in Madhya Pradesh High Court, designated Senior Advocate in 2007. Elevated as Additional Judge of Madhya Pradesh High Court on 29 December 2009, became Permanent Judge on 15 February 2011. Served in Jammu & Kashmir High Court and Karnataka High Court, holding positions of Acting Chief Justice and Chief Justice. Appointed Chief Justice of Telangana High Court in 2023 and Chief Justice of Bombay High Court in 2025.
Parent High Court: Bombay High Court
Elevated as Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 29 August 2025
- Justice Vipul Manubhai Pancholi
Born 28 May 1968 at Ahmedabad, holds a B.Sc. (Electronics) from St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad, and an LL.M. in Commercial Law from Sir L.A. Shah Law College, Ahmedabad. Enrolled as an Advocate in September 1991, he practiced in Gujarat High Court, serving as Assistant Government Pleader and Additional Public Prosecutor. Elevated as Additional Judge of Gujarat High Court on 1 October 2014 and confirmed as Permanent Judge on 10 June 2016. Transferred to Patna High Court, became Chief Justice on 21 July 2025.
Parent High Court: Patna High Court
Elevated as Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 29 August 2025; due to retire on 27 May 2033.
The journey of a Supreme Court judge is a testament to decades of dedication, legal acumen, and commitment to justice. From their parent High Courts to the apex of Indian judiciary, these judges not only shape landmark rulings but also uphold the Constitution and the rule of law. Understanding their career paths offers a unique glimpse into the judiciary’s functioning, its diverse talent pool, and the profound responsibility carried by those entrusted with interpreting and safeguarding India’s Constitution.
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