The Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, has proposed the elevation of Delhi High Court Chief Justice Manmohan to the apex court. Justice Manmohan’s recommendation comes at a time when the Supreme Court operates with 32 judges, two short of its sanctioned strength of 34, following the retirements of Justices DY Chandrachud and Hima Kohli. The five-member Collegium, which includes Justices BR Gavai, Surya Kant, Hrishikesh Roy, and AS Oka, recently convened to finalize the decision.
Vacancies in the Supreme Court
The top court, functioning with 32 judges, faces two vacancies created by the retirements of prominent jurists, necessitating swift action to fill the posts and maintain judicial efficacy.
Justice Manmohan’s Journey
Justice Manmohan, born on December 17, 1962, in Delhi, is the son of late Jagmohan, an eminent bureaucrat and politician who served as Governor of Jammu & Kashmir. A graduate in History from Delhi University’s Hindu College and an LLB from the Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi, Justice Manmohan began his legal career in 1987. Known for his expertise in civil, criminal, and constitutional matters, he was designated a senior advocate in 2003.
Notable Cases and Career Milestones
Justice Manmohan represented high-profile cases, including the Dabhol Power Company and Hyderabad Nizam’s Jewellery Trust matters, during his practice. He became an additional judge of the Delhi High Court in 2008, securing permanent status a year later. In September 2023, he was appointed Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, following his tenure as Acting Chief Justice in November 2023.
Impact of the Appointment
If approved by the government, Justice Manmohan’s elevation will bring the Supreme Court closer to its full capacity, reinforcing its ability to address pending cases effectively.
Summery of the news
| Why in News | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Supreme Court Collegium Recommends Justice Manmohan’s Elevation | – Supreme Court Collegium recommended Delhi High Court Chief Justice Manmohan for elevation to the Supreme Court. – The recommendation comes after two vacancies due to the retirement of Justices DY Chandrachud and Hima Kohli. – Justice Manmohan, 61, appointed as Delhi HC Chief Justice in September 2023. – Justice Manmohan has a law career spanning over three decades. – The recommendation was made by a five-member Collegium headed by CJI Sanjiv Khanna. |
| Justice Manmohan’s Background | – Born in Delhi on December 17, 1962. – Son of late Jagmohan, former governor of Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi. – Studied at Modern School, Delhi; BA from Hindu College, Delhi University; LLB from Campus Law Centre, DU (1987). – Became Senior Advocate in 2003. – Appointed additional judge of Delhi High Court in March 2008, became permanent judge in 2009. |
| Retirement Details | – Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice Hima Kohli retired recently, creating two vacancies in the Supreme Court. |
| Supreme Court’s Sanctioned Strength | – The Supreme Court has a sanctioned strength of 34 judges, currently operating with 32 judges. |
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