Supreme Court Welcomes Two New Judges, Enhances Diversity

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