Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud oversaw the swearing-in ceremony of two new judges for the Supreme Court on Thursday.
Justices N. Kotiswar Singh and R. Mahadevan were administered their oaths, bringing the total number of judges at the apex court to its full complement of 34.
Last week, the Supreme Court Collegium, led by CJI Chandrachud, recommended the elevation of Chief Justice N. Kotiswar Singh from the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, and Acting Chief Justice R. Mahadevan from the Madras High Court to the Supreme Court.
Responding promptly to the Collegium’s recommendations, the Centre approved the appointments of Justices N. Kotiswar Singh and R. Mahadevan to the Supreme Court on Tuesday.
In its statement, the Collegium highlighted that the recommendations were based on considerations such as seniority, merit, integrity, regional diversity, gender representation, inclusion of marginalized and backward communities, among others.
Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, originally from Manipur, was appointed as a Judge of the Gauhati High Court in October 2011. He later served as the Chief Justice of the High Court for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh from February last year.
"His appointment as a Judge of the Supreme Court will ensure representation from the North-East, marking the first appointment of a Judge from Manipur to the Supreme Court. Mr. Justice N. Kotiswar Singh has a commendable track record, both in judicial roles and administrative responsibilities as the Chief Justice of the High Court for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh,” noted the Collegium.
Justice R. Mahadevan, ranked third in seniority among serving judges of the Madras High Court, was functioning as the Acting Chief Justice of the Madras HC.
The Collegium emphasized the significance of appointing Justice Mahadevan to enhance representation of backward communities.
"Justice Mahadevan belongs to a backward community in Tamil Nadu. His appointment will contribute to diversity on the Bench," the Collegium stated, affirming his suitability for elevation to the Supreme Court.
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