The Supreme Court collegium headed by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna has recommended the appointment of three judicial officers as judges of Rajasthan High Court. The collegium, also comprising Justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant, held its meeting on December 22 and recommended names of Chandra Shekhar Sharma, Pramil Kumar Mathur, and Chandra Prakash Shrimali.
Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna briefed the Supreme Court’s full bench about a meeting concerning Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav’s controversial remarks about Muslims. These comments provoked public outcry and calls for impeachment. The Collegium is considering measures, including a possible inquiry and a public apology, to address the situation, emphasizing judicial independence.
Delhi High Court’s Chief Justice Manmohan sworn in Today (Dec 5) as a judge of the Supreme Court of India under the cloud of controversial senior advocate designations. The Supreme Court Collegium, which comprises Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justices B.R. Gavai, Surya Kant, Hrishkesh Roy and Abay S. Oka, had made a recommendation to elevate Justice Manmohan to the Supreme Court on November 28, 2024.
Justice Surya Kant, born on February 10, 1962, has served on the Supreme Court since May 24, 2019, and is set to retire on February 9, 2027. Notable for his 54 authored judgments, he previously held key legal positions including Advocate General of Haryana and Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh, contributing significantly to Indian law.
The Supreme Court Collegium recommended the repatriation of Justice Chandra Dhari Singh from the Delhi High Court back to the Allahabad High Court after reviewing his professional background. This decision, made on November 28-29, 2024, reflects the policy of maintaining balance in judicial appointments among various High Courts in India.
The Supreme Court Collegium recommended the elevation of Delhi High Court Chief Justice Manmohan to the position of a Supreme Court judge, highlighting his legal expertise and significant contributions to the judiciary. While the recommendation underscores the Collegium’s trust in his capabilities, the formal government notification confirming the decision is still awaited. Justice Manmohan’s potential appointment is expected to bring depth and experience to the apex court bench.
The Kerala High Court Bar Association raised concerns over a WhatsApp group leaking sensitive judicial information, including court orders. The group, comprising judges, lawyers, and journalists, was accused of undermining judicial integrity. The association requested an investigation and emphasized the need for stricter controls on communication within the legal system.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna is set to become the 51st Chief Justice of India, emphasizing personal liberty and effective judicial processes. He has a noteworthy ability to cross-examine from memory and began his legal journey at Tis Hazari Court. His controversial elevation to the Supreme Court in 2019 highlights his commitment to a robust legal career.
Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra, during the Arun Jaitley Memorial Lecture, criticized the collegium system, saying it has “outlived its purpose,” leading to a competitive race among judges for Supreme Court elevation. He supported Jaitley’s view that the scrapped NJAC could have promoted judicial independence and stressed a balanced approach between judicial activism and restraint to protect constitutional rights effectively.
A petition to the Supreme Court seeks the formation of an expert committee led by a judge to address the rising issue of cyber fraud in India. The plea emphasizes recent incidents involving judges and outlines the need for enhanced cybercrime laws, stronger preventive measures, and accountability for online platforms to safeguard against financial crimes.