Supreme Court Welcomes Two New Judges, Enhances Diversity

Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh and Justice R. Mahadevan were sworn in as new Supreme Court judges on July 18, 2024. They bring the total number of judges to 34, including the Chief Justice.

Appointment of New Supreme Court Judges

Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh and Justice R. Mahadevan sworn in on July 18, 2024
Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, administered the oath of office
Ceremony held at the Supreme Court premises in New Delhi
Brings the total number of Supreme Court judges to 34, including the Chief Justice
Appointments follow recommendations by the Supreme Court Collegium on July 11, 2024
President Droupadi Murmu appointed them under Article 124(2) of the Constitution on July 16, 2024

Background of the New Judges

Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh:

First judge from Manipur to be appointed to the Supreme Court
Previously Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh
Appointed as Gauhati High Court judge in October 2011
Set to serve until February 28, 2028 (retirement age 65)

Justice R. Mahadevan:

Previously Acting Chief Justice of the Madras High Court
Belongs to a backward community from Tamil Nadu
First appointment outside the Madras High Court
Served as a judge at Madras High Court since 2013

Appointment Process and Tenure of Supreme Court Judges

Appointment Process:

Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice, recommends names to the government
President appoints judges in consultation with Chief Justice and other judges
Qualifications outlined in Article 124(3) of the Constitution

Tenure and Removal:

Judges serve until the age of 65
Can resign by addressing a letter to the President
Removal possible on recommendation of Parliament

Significance of the Appointments

Enhances diversity on the Supreme Court bench
Justice Singh: First judge from Manipur in the Supreme Court
Justice Mahadevan: Represents backward community from Tamil Nadu
Brings the Supreme Court to full strength of 34 judges
Emphasizes the importance of representation from different regions and communities

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