Supreme Court Reaches Full Strength As Two Judges Take Oath

Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud administered the oath of office to two new judges of the Supreme Court on Thursday.

Justices N. Kotiswar Singh and R. Mahadevan were sworn in as Supreme Court judges, bringing the total number of judges in the apex court to its full working strength of 34.

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Last week, the Supreme Court Collegium, chaired by CJI Chandrachud, recommended the elevation of Chief Justice N. Kotiswar Singh of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, and Acting Chief Justice R. Mahadevan of the Madras High Court, to the Supreme Court.

Responding promptly to the Collegium’s recommendations, the Centre cleared the appointments of Justices N. Kotiswar Singh and R. Mahadevan to the apex court on Tuesday.

The Collegium, in its statement, highlighted that it considered various factors such as seniority, merit, integrity, regional diversity, gender, community representation, and inclusivity of marginalized and backward sections of society while making these recommendations.

Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, originally appointed as a judge of the Gauhati High Court in October 2011, became Chief Justice of the High Court for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh in February last year. His elevation to the Supreme Court marks a significant representation for the North-East, particularly as he is the first judge from Manipur to be appointed to the apex court. The Collegium praised his impeccable judicial record and administrative leadership.

Justice R. Mahadevan, ranked third in seniority among serving judges of the Madras High Court and functioning as Acting Chief Justice, was chosen to enhance representation from the backward communities of Tamil Nadu. The Collegium emphasized his suitability and the diversity he brings to the Bench.