The Supreme Court heard Lok Prahari’s plea on ad hoc judge appointments and addressed concerns raised by retired judges over bench composition. CJI Surya Kant said High Court Chief Justices may decide benches administratively, leading to a modification of the main judgment.
The Supreme Court of India has ordered former Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud to vacate his official bungalow due to exceeding the permitted stay following his retirement. Despite his claims of needing more time for family accommodations, the court’s formal request marks an unusual intervention, emphasizing adherence to rules regarding post-retirement housing.
Justice Sophy Thomas, in her farewell speech, acknowledged the challenges women judges face in balancing multiple responsibilities. She stated that “multitasking as a lady judge without compromising judicial work is not easy.” Her remarks highlighted the difficulties of managing judicial duties alongside personal and societal expectations. The retiring judge’s statement emphasized the need for better support systems for women in the judiciary.
An Advocate-on-Record (AoR) is a specialized lawyer authorized to represent clients in the Supreme Court of India, handling case filings, drafting petitions, and ensuring compliance with court procedures. To qualify, AoRs must pass a specialized exam after training. Their role is crucial for effective legal representation and maintaining court integrity.
Justice Rajesh Bindal, born on April 16, 1961, in Ambala, Haryana, assumed office as a Supreme Court judge on February 13, 2023. He previously served at the Punjab & Haryana High Court, Jammu & Kashmir High Court, and Calcutta High Court, and as Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court. He will retire on April 15, 2027, after a distinguished career.
Justice P.V. Sanjay Kumar, born on August 14, 1963, in Hyderabad, assumed office on February 6, 2023, and will retire on August 13, 2028. He completed his education in Commerce and Law, began his career in his father’s law office, and has held significant positions, including Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court.
Justice Sanjay Karol was born on August 23, 1961, in Shimla and assumed office in the Supreme Court of India on February 6, 2023, retiring on August 22, 2026. He has authored 61 judgements and has held significant positions, including Chief Justice of Tripura and Patna High Courts. A Senior Advocate since 1999, he played crucial roles in reducing case pendency and served as Chancellor of law universities.
Justice Pankaj Mittal, born on June 17, 1961, assumed office on February 6, 2023, and will retire on June 16, 2026. With a notable legal lineage, he has over 37,000 judgments across various fields and served as a judge in multiple high courts. He enjoys philately and has contributed to judicial administration.
Justice J.K. Maheshwari, born on June 29, 1961, has served on the Supreme Court since August 31, 2021. He authored 41 judgments, including significant cases related to the Bhopal Gas Tragedy and divorce rights. Previously, he was Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh and Sikkim High Courts, noted for diligent service and innovation.
In an exclusive interview, outgoing Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud discussed the balance between regulating hate speech and preserving free expression. He defended India’s reservation system for promoting equality, emphasized the judiciary’s role in democracy, and underscored the importance of fair compensation for judges, acknowledging his contributions to rights and transparency during his tenure.