Supreme Court Collegium Recommends Appointments of Chief Justices for Several High Courts
New Delhi: The Supreme Court Collegium has officially recommended to the Central Government the appointment of Chief Justices for several High Courts, including those of Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Madras, and Meghalaya.
Key Recommendations
The Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, identified existing vacancies and anticipated future openings in these High Courts, leading to this critical decision.
- Delhi High Court: Justice Manmohan, currently the Acting Chief Justice and ranked third in the All India Seniority list, has been recommended for the Chief Justice position. The Collegium noted that his appointment aligns with the Memorandum of Procedure.
- Himachal Pradesh High Court: Justice Rajiv Shakdher is recommended as Chief Justice following the transfer of Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao to the Jharkhand High Court. Justice Shakdher ranks fourth in the All India Seniority list.
- Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court: Justice Suresh Kumar Kait has been recommended for the Chief Justice role due to the elevation of Chief Justice N. Kotiswar Singh to the Supreme Court. Justice Kait is the fifth-ranked judge in seniority and has served since September 2008.
- Madhya Pradesh High Court: Justice G.S. Sandhawalia, the seniormost puisne Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, is recommended for the Chief Justice position, emphasizing the significance of appointing senior judges from large High Courts.
- Kerala High Court: Justice Nitin Madhukar Jamdar, the seniormost puisne Judge of the Bombay High Court, is proposed as Chief Justice following the retirement of Justice Ashish J. Desai.
- Meghalaya High Court: Justice Tashi Rabstan is recommended as Chief Justice upon the retirement of Chief Justice S. Vaidyanathan. His appointment is notable as he would be the first Chief Justice from Ladakh.
- Madras High Court: Justice K.R. Shriram, the second seniormost puisne Judge of the Bombay High Court, is recommended for Chief Justice after the retirement of Justice Sanjay V. Gangapurwala.
Significance of the Recommendations
These recommendations are pivotal not only for filling existing vacancies but also for ensuring effective leadership in the High Courts across various states. The Collegium’s decisions reflect a commitment to maintaining a balance of seniority and regional representation within the judiciary.
The Supreme Court’s proactive approach in addressing these vacancies underscores the importance of judicial continuity and stability, which are essential for the proper functioning of the legal system in India.
Conclusion
As the Collegium’s recommendations move to the Central Government for approval, the legal fraternity and the public await further developments that will shape the judiciary’s leadership in these critical jurisdictions.
