News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/18th July 2024
In a landmark event, Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court, Justice N Kotiswar Singh, took the oath of office on Thursday, becoming the first judge from Manipur to be elevated to the Supreme Court. Alongside him, Acting Chief Justice of Madras High Court, R Mahadevan, was also sworn in as a judge of the apex court.
The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud at a ceremony held in the Supreme Court premises. With the induction of Justices Singh and Mahadevan, the Supreme Court has now achieved its full sanctioned strength of 34 judges, including the Chief Justice of India.
This full bench will remain in effect until the retirement of Justice Hima Kohli on September 1, 2024, followed by CJI Chandrachud, who will retire on November 10, 2024. The recent vacancies were due to the retirements of Justices AS Bopanna and Aniruddha Bose. The appointments of Justices Singh and Mahadevan were recommended by the Supreme Court collegium on July 11 and subsequently cleared by the Centre on July 16.
Justice N Kotiswar Singh’s elevation to the Supreme Court is particularly noteworthy as it provides representation to the North-East region. He is the first judge from Manipur to serve on the nation’s highest court. His judicial career began with his appointment as a judge of the Gauhati High Court in October 2011. With the establishment of the Manipur High Court, he was transferred there. In February 2023, he was appointed as Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, a position he will hold until his retirement in February 2028.
Justice R Mahadevan, hailing from Tamil Nadu and belonging to a backward community, adds significant diversity to the Supreme Court bench. The collegium highlighted this aspect while recommending his elevation, noting his seniority and contribution as the third-ranking judge of the Madras High Court, including those who have been posted as chief justices elsewhere. Born on June 10, 1963, Justice Mahadevan will serve on the Supreme Court until his retirement in June 2028.
The addition of these judges is a step towards addressing regional and community representation in the judiciary, ensuring that the diverse fabric of India is reflected in its highest court. Their appointments come at a crucial time, just before the Supreme Court faces impending retirements that will once again alter its composition.
The elevation of Justices Singh and Mahadevan has been welcomed by many as a positive move towards inclusivity and representation. Their diverse backgrounds and extensive judicial experience are expected to enrich the Supreme Court’s deliberations and judgments.
Justice Singh’s career is a testament to his dedication and service across various high courts, culminating in his historic appointment to the Supreme Court. Justice Mahadevan’s ascent, marked by his significant contributions and the collegium’s recognition of his potential to enhance the bench’s diversity, underscores the evolving landscape of Indian judiciary.
These appointments signify a pivotal moment for the Supreme Court, ensuring it operates at full strength while embracing the rich diversity of India. As they take on their new roles, Justices Singh and Mahadevan will undoubtedly contribute to the continued pursuit of justice and the upholding of constitutional values in the country.
