Supreme Court Collegium Recommends Three New Justices, Appoints Five High Court Chief Justices in Historic Reshuffle
- Mahi Sinha
- 28 May 2025
The Supreme Court collegium recommends the elevation of three judges to the apex court and five to head high courts in a historic judicial reshuffle. Get full details of appointments and profiles.
Historic Move by Supreme Court Collegium in May 2025
In a significant development, the Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, has recommended the elevation of three high court judges to the Supreme Court of India. Simultaneously, it has proposed the appointment of five new chief justices to lead high courts across India.
This large-scale reshuffle aims to fill crucial vacancies left by recent and upcoming retirements, marking one of the most notable judicial reorganizations in India’s legal system.
Judges Recommended for Elevation to the Supreme Court
Following a detailed meeting, the collegium approved the elevation of the following justices to the Supreme Court of India:
Justice NV Anjaria – Karnataka High Court
Current Position: Chief Justice, Karnataka High Court
Background: Appointed to Gujarat High Court on November 21, 2011
Elevated as CJ of Karnataka HC: February 25, 2024
Expected Tenure in SC: Just under five years
Justice Vijay Bishnoi – Gauhati High Court
Current Position: Chief Justice, Gauhati High Court
Background: Appointed to Rajasthan High Court on January 8, 2013
Became Gauhati HC CJ: February 5, 2024
Expected Tenure in SC: Shorter than the other two justices
Justice AS Chandurkar – Bombay High Court
Current Position: Judge, Bombay High Court (Nagpur Bench)
Background: Practicing since 1992; elevated to bench on June 21, 2013
Expected Tenure in SC: Just under five years
These appointments will fill vacancies created by the retirements of Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justice Abhay S. Oka, and Justice Hrishikesh Roy, with Justice Bela M. Trivedi set to retire on June 9, 2025.
New Chief Justices Appointed to Five High Courts
The collegium has also proposed the elevation of five judges as Chief Justices of various High Courts, strengthening leadership at the state level:
Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva – Madhya Pradesh High Court
Current Position: Judge, Madhya Pradesh High Court
Proposed Role: Chief Justice, Madhya Pradesh HC
Justice Vibhu Bakhru – Karnataka High Court
Current Position: Judge, Delhi High Court
Proposed Role: Chief Justice, Karnataka HC
Justice Vipul Manubhai Pancholi – Patna High Court
Current Position: Judge, Patna High Court
Proposed Role: Chief Justice, Patna HC
Justice Ashutosh Kumar – Gauhati High Court
Current Position: Judge, Patna High Court
Proposed Role: Chief Justice, Gauhati HC
Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan – Jharkhand High Court
Current Position: Judge, Himachal Pradesh High Court
Proposed Role: Chief Justice, Jharkhand High Court
The vacancy in the Jharkhand High Court is expected due to the anticipated removal of the current chief justice.
Composition of the Supreme Court Collegium
The current Supreme Court Collegium includes:
This five-member body plays a pivotal role in appointments and transfers within the Indian higher judiciary.
Significance of These Judicial Appointments
This wave of appointments is crucial for:
Addressing judicial vacancies in the Supreme Court and high courts
Strengthening judicial leadership across Indian states
Maintaining the Supreme Court’s sanctioned strength of 34 judges
Currently, the Supreme Court has 31 serving judges, and these recommendations aim to restore full strength.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for the Indian Judiciary
The May 2025 judicial reshuffle marks a transformative moment for India’s legal system. Through strategic appointments, the Supreme Court Collegium is reinforcing judicial infrastructure and ensuring continued delivery of justice at the highest level.
