Polity📖 3 min read

Centre Appoints Five Supreme Court Judges, Court Strength Rises

The Union government has announced the appointment of five new judges to the Supreme Court, increasing its total strength.

Source: HT India News
Summary of News

The Union government recently notified the appointment of five new judges to the Supreme Court of India. These appointments include four chief justices from various High Courts and one senior advocate, V Mohana. With these new appointments, the total working strength of the Supreme Court has increased. This move aims to address the existing vacancies and ensure the efficient functioning of the apex court. The appointments were made after recommendations from the Supreme Court Collegium were approved by the government. The Supreme Court plays a crucial role in upholding the Constitution and delivering justice in India.

Why It Matters

This news is important for competitive exams under Polity (UPSC GS Paper II, SSC General Awareness). Aspirants should understand the process of judicial appointments, the role of the Supreme Court Collegium, and the constitutional provisions related to the Supreme Court's composition and powers. Questions often focus on the number of judges, appointment procedures, and the hierarchy of the judiciary.

Key Points for Exam
  • The Union government appointed five new judges to the Supreme Court.
  • Four of the new appointees were Chief Justices of High Courts.
  • V Mohana, a senior advocate, was also appointed as a Supreme Court judge.
  • The total strength of the Supreme Court has increased to 36 judges with these appointments.
  • The appointments were made based on recommendations from the Supreme Court Collegium.
  • The Supreme Court is the highest judicial body in India.
Important Keywords Explained
Supreme Court of Indiaorganization

The highest judicial court and the final court of appeal under the Constitution of India. It was established on January 26, 1950, and is located in New Delhi. It has original, appellate, and advisory jurisdictions, ensuring justice and upholding the rule of law across the country.

Supreme Court Collegiumconcept

A system in India where a body of senior Supreme Court judges recommends appointments and transfers of judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts. It consists of the Chief Justice of India and four other senior-most judges of the Supreme Court. This system evolved through judicial pronouncements.

Judicial Appointmentsconcept

The process by which judges are selected and appointed to various courts, including the Supreme Court and High Courts. In India, this involves recommendations from the Collegium, followed by approval from the Union government and the President, as outlined in the Constitution.

Additional Facts & Context
1Article 124 of the Indian Constitution deals with the establishment and constitution of the Supreme Court.
2The Chief Justice of India is appointed by the President of India.
3The retirement age for Supreme Court judges is 65 years.
4The original sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court was 8 judges (1 Chief Justice + 7 other judges).
Examiner's Tip

UPSC and State PSC exams frequently ask about the composition of the Supreme Court, the appointment process of judges, and the powers of the Chief Justice of India. SSC exams may focus on the number of judges or the retirement age.

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Memory Trick

Remember 'SC 5' for the five new Supreme Court judges, and 'CJI + 4' for the Collegium's composition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are Supreme Court judges appointed in India?

Supreme Court judges are appointed by the President of India. The President consults with the Chief Justice of India and other Supreme Court and High Court judges as deemed necessary. The Supreme Court Collegium, comprising the Chief Justice and four senior-most judges, recommends names for appointment, which the government then approves.

What is the current strength of the Supreme Court of India?

The current sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court of India is 34 judges, including the Chief Justice of India. With the recent appointments, the working strength has increased, aiming to fill existing vacancies and ensure judicial efficiency.

What is the role of the Supreme Court Collegium?

The Supreme Court Collegium is responsible for recommending the appointment and transfer of judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the independence of the judiciary by proposing suitable candidates for judicial positions.

Connected Concepts / Topics
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