New Delhi: The appointment of 5 new Supreme Court judges has been cleared by the Central government, marking a major development in India’s judiciary. The appointments come just days after the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court was increased from 34 to 38 judges through an ordinance.
With these new elevations, the Supreme Court will now function with 37 judges, leaving only one vacancy in the apex court.
Details of Supreme Court Judges Appointment
The Union government approved the recommendations made by the Supreme Court Collegium led by Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant.
Read also: CJI Surya Kant Announces Key Judicial Reform: 7-Judge Benches to Be Formed Soon
The decision was announced by Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal.
The Five New Supreme Court Judges
The newly appointed judges are:
- Justice Sheel Nagu – Chief Justice, Punjab and Haryana High Court
- Justice Shree Chandrashekhar – Chief Justice, Bombay High Court
- Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva – Chief Justice, Madhya Pradesh High Court
- Justice Arun Palli – Chief Justice, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court
- Senior Advocate V. Mohana
Why These Appointments Matter
The appointments are important because:
- The Supreme Court’s sanctioned strength was recently increased to 38 judges.
- The court has been facing a heavy workload and large case pendency.
- Filling vacancies is expected to improve case disposal and judicial efficiency.
- The move brings the court close to its full approved strength.
Supreme Court Judges Appointment: Brief Profile
Justice Sheel Nagu
- Born on January 1, 1965.
- Started legal practice in 1987.
- Served primarily in civil, constitutional and service law matters.
- Became a judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court in 2011.
- Later served as Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
- Known for judgments related to environmental issues, privacy and personal liberty.
Justice Shree Chandrashekhar
- Born in Ranchi on May 25, 1965.
- Studied law at Delhi University.
- Practised for nearly two decades before joining the bench.
- Served in the Jharkhand High Court before becoming Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court.
- Has experience in judicial administration and constitutional matters.
Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva
- Born on December 26, 1964.
- Graduate of Sri Ram College of Commerce and Delhi University’s Campus Law Centre.
- Became an Advocate-on-Record in the Supreme Court in 1995.
- Designated as Senior Advocate in 2011.
- Served as Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court before elevation.
Justice Arun Palli
- Born on September 18, 1964, in Patiala.
- Practised extensively before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
- Served as Additional Advocate General for Punjab.
- Elevated as High Court judge in 2013.
- Later became Chief Justice of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court.
Senior Advocate V. Mohana
- One of the most respected senior advocates in the country.
- Elevated directly from the Bar to the Supreme Court.
- Her appointment adds distinguished legal expertise to the apex court.
Supreme Court Strength After the Appointments
Key Numbers
- Previous sanctioned strength: 34 judges
- New sanctioned strength: 38 judges
- Judges appointed now: 5
- Working strength after appointments: 37 judges
- Remaining vacancy: 1 judge
