In a recent development, the Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, has recommended the appointment of five judges to various High Courts. The three-member Collegium, including Justices Sanjiv Khanna and B R Gavai, suggested the elevation of advocate Rohit Kapoor as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Notably, advocates Harmeet Singh Grewal and Deepinder Singh Nalwa, approved in October 2023, are prioritized for appointment over Rohit Kapoor.
Additionally, Justices Rahul Bharti and Moksha Khajuria Kazmi, who currently serve as Additional Judges of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, have been recommended for permanent positions. The Collegium also proposed the permanent appointment of Justice Abhay Ahuja, an Additional Judge of the High Court of Bombay.
Furthermore, the Collegium recommended the appointment of judicial officers Chaitali Chatterjee (Das), Arvind Kumar Verma, and Yarenjungla Longkumer as judges of the High Courts of Calcutta, Chhattisgarh, and Gauhati, respectively. Advocate Shamima Jahan is set to be elevated as a judge of the Gauhati High Court.
This move is a significant stride in reinforcing the judiciary with experienced and qualified individuals, ensuring a robust and effective legal system.