Jahanvi Agarwal
The Supreme Court Collegium has put forth recommendations for the elevation of Chief Justices from the Delhi, Rajasthan, and Gauhati High Courts to the Supreme Court, aiming to address the increasing caseload and maintain the Court’s full working judge strength.
The recommended appointments include Justice Satish Chandra Sharma of the Delhi High Court, Justice Augustine George Masih of the Rajasthan High Court, and Justice Sandeep Mehta of the Gauhati High Court. Currently operating with 31 judges out of a sanctioned strength of 34, the Supreme Court faces a substantial backlog of cases, necessitating the timely appointment of deserving judges.
The Collegium, led by the Chief Justice of India and consisting of four senior-most judges, carefully assessed factors such as the seniority of Chief Justices and senior puisne Judges, overall seniority of High Court Judges, merit, performance, integrity, and the need for diversity in making these recommendations. The decision is aimed at ensuring a well-rounded and capable judiciary to handle the mounting caseload.
Regarding the appointments, the Collegium stated:
“After carefully evaluating the merit, integrity and competence of eligible Chief Justices and senior puisne Judges of the High Courts and also accommodating a plurality of considerations, the Collegium found the three persons to be deserving and suitable in all respects for being appointed as Judges of the Supreme Court of India.”
Among the recommended judges, Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, who was appointed as a judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court in 2008, stood at serial number two in the combined all-India seniority of High Court Judges.
Justice Augustine George Masih, belonging to a minority community, held the position of Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court since May 30, 2023, standing at serial number seven in the combined all-India seniority of High Court Judges.
Justice Sandeep Mehta, elevated as Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court in February 2023, was positioned at serial number 23 in the combined all-India seniority of High Court Judges, having served as a judge of the Rajasthan High Court since 2011.
This move by the Collegium reflects a commitment to maintaining the Supreme Court’s efficacy and addressing the pressing need for a robust judicial system.