Supreme Court Welcomes Two New Judges, Fulfilling Its Full Strength

The elevation of these judges, previously recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium, now brings the Supreme Court to its full sanctioned capacity of 34 judges, including Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud.

In a significant development, President Droupadi Murmu has sanctioned the appointment of two distinguished judges, Justice N Kotiswar Singh and Justice R Mahadevan, to the Supreme Court. This announcement was made by Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. The elevation of these judges, previously recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium, now brings the Supreme Court to its full sanctioned capacity of 34 judges, including Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud.

 Justice N Kotiswar Singh's Historic Appointment

Justice N Kotiswar Singh’s elevation is particularly noteworthy as he becomes the first judge from Manipur to join the Supreme Court. He is currently serving as the Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court. Justice Singh's legal journey is deeply rooted in a legacy of legal service; he is the son of N Ibotombi Singh, Manipur's first Advocate General.

Justice Singh's educational background includes a degree from Kirori Mal College and the Campus Law Centre at Delhi University. His legal career commenced in 1986 as an advocate. Over the years, he has built a remarkable reputation, having served as the Advocate General of Manipur before his appointments as a judge in the Gauhati High Court and the Manipur High Court. His ascension to the Supreme Court marks a milestone for Manipur, showcasing his extensive legal acumen and dedication to the judiciary.

 Justice R Mahadevan's Distinguished Career

Justice R Mahadevan, currently the acting Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, also joins the Supreme Court's esteemed bench. Born in Chennai, Justice Mahadevan is a product of Madras Law College. His legal career is marked by an impressive record, having appeared in over 9,000 cases. His roles have included serving as the Additional Government Pleader for taxes for the Government of Tamil Nadu, Additional Central Government Standing Counsel, and Senior Panel Counsel for the Government of India at the Madras High Court. Elevated to the position of a judge at the Madras High Court in 2013, Justice Mahadevan has since demonstrated exceptional legal prowess and dedication.

The Path to the Supreme Court

The process leading to the elevation of Justices Singh and Mahadevan involved meticulous consideration by the Supreme Court Collegium. This body, responsible for the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts, plays a crucial role in maintaining the judiciary's integrity and competence. The appointments of Justices Singh and Mahadevan were part of the Collegium's ongoing efforts to ensure that the Supreme Court is staffed with judges of high caliber and diverse backgrounds.

Implications of the Full Bench

With the appointments of Justices Singh and Mahadevan, the Supreme Court now operates at its full sanctioned strength of 34 judges. This full bench is essential for the efficient functioning of the Court, enabling it to handle its vast caseload more effectively. The presence of a full bench ensures that the Supreme Court can address its responsibilities, ranging from resolving significant constitutional questions to adjudicating a wide array of civil and criminal cases.

A Look Ahead

The elevation of Justices Singh and Mahadevan underscores the ongoing efforts to strengthen the judiciary by incorporating judges with diverse experiences and backgrounds. Justice Singh's historic appointment as the first judge from Manipur in the Supreme Court is a testament to the inclusive approach of the judiciary, reflecting the rich diversity of India. Justice Mahadevan's extensive experience in the Madras High Court and his significant contributions to legal practice highlight the depth of expertise being brought to the Supreme Court.

As these new judges assume their roles, their contributions are expected to further enrich the judiciary. Their diverse perspectives and extensive legal backgrounds will be invaluable in addressing the complex legal issues that come before the Supreme Court. The appointments not only mark a personal milestone for Justices Singh and Mahadevan but also represent a significant step forward in the ongoing evolution of India's judiciary.

Conclusion

The appointments of Justice N Kotiswar Singh and Justice R Mahadevan to the Supreme Court are a significant development for India’s judiciary. These appointments, endorsed by the Supreme Court Collegium and sanctioned by President Droupadi Murmu, ensure that the Supreme Court operates at its full capacity. As the judiciary continues to evolve, the inclusion of judges with diverse backgrounds and extensive experience is crucial for maintaining the integrity, efficiency, and fairness of India's highest court.