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The Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, has recently recommended the names of three judges for appointment to the Supreme Court. This decision, made on Monday, May 26, 2025, involves the selection of two Chief Justices of High Courts and a judge from the Bombay High Court. The nominees are Justice N.V. Anjaria, Chief Justice of the High Court of Karnataka; Justice Vijay Bishnoi, Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court; and Justice A.S. Chandurkar, a judge of the Bombay High Court. This recommendation comes at a crucial time, as the working strength of the Supreme Court Bench has been reduced to 31 following the retirements of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and A.S. Oka. Further diminishing the bench, Justice Bela Trivedi is scheduled to retire on June 9, which will bring the number of judges down to 30. Given that the total sanctioned judicial strength of the top court is 34, these appointments are vital to maintain the court's operational capacity and ensure efficient dispensation of justice. The appointment process is governed by the Collegium system, a mechanism evolved through judicial pronouncements, which has been a subject of debate and scrutiny over the years. The Collegium, composed of the Chief Justice of India and the four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court, is responsible for recommending appointments and transfers of judges in the higher judiciary. This system has been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability, with some arguing that it concentrates too much power in the hands of a few judges. However, proponents of the Collegium system maintain that it is essential to safeguard the independence of the judiciary from executive interference. The current recommendation by the Collegium headed by Chief Justice Gavai marks the first major decision under his leadership, setting the tone for his tenure. The selection of Justice Anjaria, Justice Bishnoi, and Justice Chandurkar reflects a careful consideration of their qualifications, experience, and judicial track record. Justice Anjaria’s parent High Court is Gujarat, while Justice Bishnoi hails from the Rajasthan High Court, and Justice Chandurkar has spent his career in the Bombay High Court. These appointments also consider regional representation and the diversity of legal expertise within the Supreme Court. The timing of these appointments is also significant, as the Supreme Court is currently operating with a reduced number of judges, leading to increased workload and potential delays in the adjudication of cases. The court is also facing a significant backlog of cases, which has been a long-standing challenge for the Indian judicial system. To address this issue, Chief Justice Gavai has emphasized the importance of judges working throughout the year, even during the traditional vacation period. He has refused to use the term “vacation,” preferring to call the May-June holidays “partial working days” to underscore the commitment of the judges to reduce pendency and ensure timely justice. The commitment to continuous operation also signifies a shift towards a more proactive and efficient judicial system. The inclusion of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and B.V. Nagarathna in the Collegium, following the retirements of Justices Khanna and Oka, further strengthens the decision-making process and brings fresh perspectives to the table. The composition of the Collegium is crucial, as its members play a pivotal role in shaping the composition of the higher judiciary. The inclusion of Justices Maheshwari and Nagarathna ensures that the Collegium benefits from their experience and expertise. Looking ahead, the article also highlights the potential future leadership of the Supreme Court. If the seniority norm holds, Justices Surya Kant and Vikram Nath, who are the next two senior-most judges, are expected to become Chief Justices of India. Furthermore, Justice Nagarathna is poised to become the first woman Chief Justice of India in 2027, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Indian judiciary. The prospect of having a woman lead the Supreme Court has generated considerable excitement and anticipation, as it would represent a major step towards gender equality and inclusivity in the legal profession. The background and experience of the recommended judges further underscore their suitability for the positions. Justice Anjaria, born in Ahmedabad in March 1965, comes from a family of lawyers. He has served as a senior panel counsel for various central government organizations, including the Central Bureau of Investigation, BSNL, Union Public Service Commission, University Grants Commission, All India Council for Technical Education, and National Council for Teacher Education. His extensive experience as an advocate and his tenure as a judge in the Gujarat High Court and as Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court demonstrate his expertise and commitment to the legal profession. Justice Bishnoi, born in Jodhpur in March 1964, enrolled as an advocate in July 1989. He has served as an Additional Judge and Permanent Judge of the Rajasthan High Court and has been the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court since February 2024. His diverse experience in different High Courts provides him with a broad perspective on legal issues and judicial administration. Justice Chandurkar, born in April 1965, joined the Bar in July 1988 and was elevated to the Bombay High Court Bench in June 2013. His long career in the Bombay High Court has provided him with extensive experience in a wide range of legal matters. The recommendations made by the Supreme Court Collegium are a critical step in ensuring the smooth functioning of the Indian judicial system. The appointments of Justice Anjaria, Justice Bishnoi, and Justice Chandurkar will help to fill the existing vacancies in the Supreme Court and contribute to reducing the backlog of cases. The leadership of Chief Justice Gavai and the composition of the Collegium are essential factors in maintaining the independence and integrity of the judiciary. The potential future leadership of Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, and B.V. Nagarathna also holds great promise for the future of the Indian legal system. The judiciary must constantly adapt to the changing needs of society and uphold the principles of justice, equality, and the rule of law. The recommendations of the Collegium, the efforts to reduce pendency, and the commitment to continuous operation all reflect a dedication to these fundamental principles. These efforts are essential to ensure that the Indian judicial system remains a vital pillar of democracy and a protector of the rights and freedoms of all citizens. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the recent recommendations made by the Supreme Court Collegium, highlighting the importance of these appointments in the context of the current challenges facing the Indian judicial system. The selection of Justice Anjaria, Justice Bishnoi, and Justice Chandurkar reflects a careful consideration of their qualifications, experience, and judicial track record. The leadership of Chief Justice Gavai and the potential future leadership of Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, and B.V. Nagarathna offer hope for the continued progress and development of the Indian legal system. The commitment to continuous operation, the efforts to reduce pendency, and the focus on maintaining the independence and integrity of the judiciary are all essential to ensure that the Indian judicial system remains a vital pillar of democracy and a protector of the rights and freedoms of all citizens. The upcoming appointments will be crucial in strengthening the Supreme Court's ability to handle its workload and address the pressing issues facing the nation. As the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court plays a vital role in interpreting the Constitution, upholding the rule of law, and safeguarding the fundamental rights of citizens. The selection of judges who are qualified, experienced, and committed to these principles is essential to ensure that the court can continue to fulfill its crucial role in Indian society. The appointment process, the composition of the Collegium, and the leadership of the Chief Justice are all key factors in ensuring that the Supreme Court remains a strong and independent institution capable of delivering justice to all. The upcoming appointments will be closely watched by legal experts, scholars, and the general public, as they represent a significant moment in the history of the Indian judiciary. The hope is that these appointments will further strengthen the court's ability to address the complex legal challenges facing the nation and uphold the principles of justice, equality, and the rule of law. The Supreme Court is also responsible for resolving disputes between the central government and state governments, as well as disputes between states. Its decisions have a profound impact on the lives of citizens and the functioning of the government. Therefore, it is essential that the court is composed of judges who are highly qualified, experienced, and committed to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law. The appointment process must be transparent and accountable to ensure that the best candidates are selected for these crucial positions. The Collegium system, while subject to criticism, is intended to safeguard the independence of the judiciary from political interference. However, there is ongoing debate about the need for reforms to the Collegium system to enhance transparency and accountability. Some have suggested that the appointment process should involve greater participation from other stakeholders, such as the bar and the civil society. Others have argued that the appointment process should be subject to greater judicial review to ensure that it is fair and impartial. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that the appointment process is transparent, accountable, and produces the best possible candidates for the Supreme Court. These candidates should be individuals who are highly qualified, experienced, and committed to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law. The independence of the judiciary is essential for protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens and ensuring that the government is held accountable for its actions. A strong and independent judiciary is a cornerstone of democracy and a vital safeguard against abuse of power. The upcoming appointments will be closely watched to ensure that they uphold these principles and contribute to the continued strength and independence of the Indian judiciary.
Source: Supreme Court Collegium recommends three judges to top court