SC Collegium Recommends Making Two Judges Of Gauhati HC Permanent, Extending Term Of An Additional Judge Of Jammu & Kashmir & Ladakh HC By One Year

This recommendation follows the High Court Collegium's proposal on April 1 of this year, which garnered concurrence from the Chief Ministers and Governors of Assam, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh.

In accordance with the established procedure, judges from the Supreme Court familiar with the Gauhati High Court's operations were consulted to gauge the suitability of the nominees. Additionally, a two-judge committee meticulously evaluated the judgments delivered by Justices Khaund and Thakuria. Their assessments found the judgments to be well-reasoned, offering thorough analysis of facts and supported by relevant case laws.

The notification dated May 17, 2024 read, “In view of the above, the Collegium resolves to recommend that (i) Smt. Justice Susmita Phukan Khaund, and (ii) Smt. Justice Mitali Thakuria, Additional Judges, be appointed as permanent Judges of the Gauhati High Court against the existing vacancies.”

In a separate recommendation, the Supreme Court Collegium also endorsed a fresh one-year term for Justice Rajesh Sekhri as an additional judge of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court. The High Court's Collegium had previously recommended this extension on April 23, given the absence of vacancies for permanent judges.

Following protocol, the Supreme Court Collegium consulted its members familiar with the affairs of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court. Subsequently, a two-judge committee evaluated the quality of Justice Sekhri's judgments, affirming them to be well-reasoned, analytically sound, and supported by relevant case laws.

The notification dated May 17, 2024 read, “In view of the above, the Collegium resolves to recommend that Mr Justice Rajesh Sekhri be appointed as an Additional Judge of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh for a fresh term of one year with effect from 29 July 2024.”