The Supreme Court collegium consisting of Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justice B R Gavai, Justice Surya Kant and Justice Hrishikesh Roy has recommended the names of high court judges Justice N Kotiswar Singh and Justice R Mahadevan for elevation to the Apex Court.
Justice Singh currently serves as the Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, while Justice Mahadevan is presently the Acting Chief Justice of the Madras High Court.
Justice Singh, originally from Manipur, was appointed as a judge of the Gauhati High Court on October 17, 2011, and subsequently transferred to the Manipur High Court. He assumed office as the Chief Justice of the High Court for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on February 15 last year. The resolution notes that his elevation to the Supreme Court would ensure representation from the North-East, with him being the first judge from Manipur to be appointed to the apex court.
The notification dated July 11, 2024 read, “Mr Justice N Kotiswar Singh has an impeccable record, both in judicial capacity and in terms of the work which has been rendered by him on the administrative side, as the Chief Justice of the High Court for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Considering the candidature of Mr Justice N Kotiswar Singh in terms of his judicial performance, administrative acumen, integrity and merit, the Collegium is of the view that he is eminently suitable for being appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court.”
Justice Mahadevan, belonging to a backward community in Tamil Nadu, has been recognized for his extensive judicial experience and seniority within the Madras High Court. His elevation is seen as enhancing diversity on the bench.
Justice Singh, born on March 1, 1963, completed his education at Delhi University, while Justice Mahadevan, born on June 10, 1963, was appointed as a judge of the Madras High Court in 2013.
The notification dated July 11, 2024 read, “The Collegium has taken due note of the fact that Mr Justice R Mahadevan ranks third in the order of presently serving judges of the Madras High Court including the Judges who have been posted as Chief Justices outside the Madras High Court. At this stage, the Collegium has given precedence to the candidature of Mr Justice R Mahadevan in order to give representation to the backward community. For the above reasons, the Collegium is of the view that he is suitable and fit for being appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court.”
In another notification the Collegium has decided to recommend the transfer of Justice M S Ramachandra Rao from his current position as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court to assume the role of Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court.
Justice Ramachandra Rao has been serving as Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh since May 30, 2023, having previously been appointed as a Judge of the High Court of Andhra Pradesh on June 29, 2012, and subsequently opting for Telangana as his parent High Court following the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.
The decision to transfer him to Jharkhand comes in anticipation of the vacancy that will arise upon the retirement of Dr. Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi on July 19, 2024.
The notification dated July 11, 2024 read, “Considering the seniority of Mr Justice M S Ramachandra Rao and the exigencies of the administration of justice, the Collegium considers it appropriate in the public interest to recommend his transfer as Chief Justice of the High Court of Jharkhand consequent upon retirement of Dr. Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi. The Collegium recommends accordingly.”
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