Polity📖 3 min read

Supreme Court Collegium Recommends 5 New Judges, Including Woman Advocate

The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended five new appointments to the apex court, including four chief justices and a senior woman advocate.

Source: HT India News
Summary of News

The Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, has recommended five names for appointment as judges to the Supreme Court. These recommendations include four chief justices of High Courts and one senior woman advocate. The chief justices recommended are Justice Pankaj Mithal (Rajasthan High Court), Justice Sanjay Karol (Patna High Court), Justice P.V. Sanjay Kumar (Manipur High Court), and Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah (Patna High Court). Senior advocate K.V. Viswanathan has also been recommended. If approved, the Supreme Court will reach its full strength of 34 judges. These recommendations will now be sent to the Union government for final approval and the issuance of appointment warrants by the President of India. The Collegium's decision aims to fill existing vacancies and ensure the smooth functioning of the Supreme Court.

Why It Matters

This news is important for competitive exams, especially for Polity sections in UPSC GS Paper II and SSC General Awareness. Aspirants should understand the Supreme Court's composition, the Collegium system for judicial appointments, and the roles of the Chief Justice of India and the President in this process. Questions often focus on the appointment procedure of Supreme Court judges and the constitutional provisions related to the judiciary.

Key Points for Exam
  • The Supreme Court Collegium recommended 5 new judges.
  • The recommendations include 4 chief justices of High Courts.
  • Senior advocate K.V. Viswanathan is also among the recommended names.
  • If approved, the Supreme Court will reach its full strength of 34 judges.
  • The Collegium is headed by the Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud.
  • The President of India issues warrants of appointment for Supreme Court judges.
Important Keywords Explained
Supreme Court Collegiumconcept

The Collegium is a system for the appointment and transfer of judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts. It comprises the Chief Justice of India and the four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court. It makes recommendations to the government, which then approves or rejects them. This system evolved through Supreme Court judgments, not an Act of Parliament.

Chief Justice of India (CJI)person

The Chief Justice of India is the head of the Indian judiciary and the Supreme Court of India. The CJI is appointed by the President of India and holds office until the age of 65. The CJI presides over the Supreme Court's proceedings and allocates cases to other judges. The current CJI is D.Y. Chandrachud.

Warrant of Appointmentconcept

A warrant of appointment is an official document issued by the President of India, formally appointing a person to a high office, such as a judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court. This document signifies the final approval and legal authority for the individual to assume their judicial duties.

Additional Facts & Context
1The Supreme Court of India was established on January 26, 1950.
2Article 124 of the Indian Constitution deals with the establishment and constitution of the Supreme Court.
3The retirement age for Supreme Court judges is 65 years.
4The original strength of the Supreme Court in 1950 was 1 Chief Justice and 7 other judges.
Examiner's Tip

UPSC often asks about the Collegium system, its evolution, and debates surrounding judicial appointments. SSC and Banking exams may focus on the number of judges, retirement age, and the constitutional articles related to the Supreme Court.

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Memory Trick

Remember 'CJI + 4' for the Collegium's composition. The 'C' in Collegium stands for 'Chief Justice' and '4' for the senior-most judges.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are Supreme Court judges appointed in India?

Supreme Court judges are appointed by the President of India. The appointment process involves the Supreme Court Collegium, which recommends names to the government. After government approval, the President issues a warrant of appointment. This process ensures consultation within the judiciary and with the executive.

What is the role of the Supreme Court Collegium?

The Supreme Court Collegium's primary role is to recommend names for the appointment and transfer of judges to the Supreme Court and High Courts. It consists of the Chief Justice of India and the four senior-most Supreme Court judges. Its recommendations are crucial in maintaining judicial independence.

What is the current sanctioned 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. This number has been increased over time through parliamentary legislation to manage the workload and ensure timely justice delivery.

Connected Concepts / Topics
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