In a significant move to fill key judicial vacancies, the Supreme Court collegium has put forward a series of recommendations for top positions in various high courts across India. The collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and including Justices Vikram Nath and J K Maheshwari, made its decisions known on Thursday.
Five Judges Recommended for Chief Justice Roles
The collegium has proposed the elevation of five high court judges to the position of chief justice in different states. This comes as a measure to address vacancies that have arisen due to retirements.
Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta of the Allahabad High Court has been recommended for appointment as the Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court. This post has been vacant since January 9 following the retirement of Justice G Narendar.
From the Bombay High Court, Justice Revati P Mohite has been recommended to take over as the Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court. This recommendation is linked to the proposed transfer of the current Meghalaya Chief Justice, Soumen Sen, to the Kerala High Court. Justice Sen's transfer is intended to fill the gap created by the retirement of Justice Nitin Jamdar on January 9.
Another judge from the Bombay High Court, Justice M S Sonak, has been suggested for the role of Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court. This appointment would become effective after the incumbent Chief Justice, T S Chauhan, retires on January 8.
The collegium also recommended Justice A Muhamed Mustaque of the Kerala High Court for appointment as the Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court. Furthermore, Justice Sangam K Sahoo of the Orissa High Court has been proposed for the position of Chief Justice of the Patna High Court.
Key Transfer and Its Implications
A notable decision involves the transfer of Chief Justice Soumen Sen from the Meghalaya High Court to the Kerala High Court. This move is part of the collegium's strategy to ensure experienced leadership across the judiciary, especially in courts facing imminent vacancies. The recommendation for Justice Revati P Mohite to succeed him in Meghalaya is directly consequent to this transfer order.
Addressing Judicial Vacancies
The recommendations highlight the collegium's proactive approach in managing the higher judiciary. By suggesting appointments in advance of retirements, the collegium aims to ensure a smoother transition and prevent prolonged vacancies at the helm of these important courts. All recommendations have now been sent to the Central government for final approval and implementation.
