Today(on 18th July),Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud will administer the oath to Justices Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh and R. Mahadevan as new Supreme Court judges, restoring the court’s full strength to 34. This follows the Supreme Court Collegium’s recommendation and presidential approval of their appointments.
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NEW DELHI: Today(on 18th July), Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud is set to administer the oath to Justices Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh and R Mahadevan as new Supreme Court judges. This significant event follows the approval of their appointments by the President on July 16. Their induction will restore the Supreme Court’s full strength to 34 judges, including Chief Justice DY Chandrachud.
The Supreme Court Collegium, a pivotal body responsible for judicial appointments, had recommended Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh, and Acting Chief of Madras High Court, R Mahadevan, for elevation to the Supreme Court.
Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh’s appointment marks a historic moment as he will be the first judge from the state of Manipur to ascend to the Supreme Court bench.
“His appointment as a Supreme Court judge will ensure representation for the North-East, making him the first judge from the State of Manipur to serve on the Supreme Court.”
-stated the resolution of the Collegium.
The collegium, comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, Surya Kant, and Hrishikesh Roy, underscored the significance of this elevation in their deliberations.
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In recommending the elevation of Justice R Mahadevan, the resolution highlighted his background and the importance of diversity in the judiciary.
“At this stage, the Collegium has prioritized Justice Mahadevan’s candidacy to provide representation for the backward community. For these reasons, the Collegium believes he is suitable and fit to be appointed as a Supreme Court judge.”
-it stated.
Justice Mahadevan belongs to a backward community from the State of Tamil Nadu, and his appointment is seen as a step towards increasing diversity on the Bench.
The Collegium noted that Justice Mahadevan ranked third in the order of currently serving judges of the Madras High Court, including those who have been posted as Chief Justices outside the Madras High Court. This precedence was part of a considered effort to ensure representation and inclusivity.
The recommendation and subsequent appointment of these two judges were driven by the existing vacancies in the Supreme Court. Justice Aniruddha Bose retired on April 10, 2024, followed by Justice AS Bopanna, who retired on May 19, 2024. Their departures left significant gaps in the judiciary that needed to be filled to maintain the Court’s full strength and operational efficiency.
The induction of Justices Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh and R Mahadevan is expected to bring fresh perspectives and strengthen the diversity of the Supreme Court. Their varied backgrounds and experiences will contribute to a more representative judiciary.
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