Recommendations strengthen Supreme Court bench with senior judges

New Delhi, August 28, 2025 – The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the elevation of the Chief Justices of the Bombay High Court and the Patna High Court to the apex court. The collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, took this decision to strengthen the top court’s bench by adding judges with extensive judicial experience. This move comes at a crucial time when the Supreme Court is managing an increased caseload and requires more senior judges with administrative and constitutional expertise.

The recommendation process is part of the established collegium system, through which appointments and elevations to the Supreme Court and High Courts are made. By sending the names of the Bombay High Court Chief Justice and the Patna High Court Chief Justice, the collegium has underscored the need for experienced leadership within the judiciary. The proposal is now pending approval from the Union government, which plays a key role in formalizing judicial appointments.

According to officials familiar with the matter, the Bombay High Court Chief Justice has handled complex commercial and constitutional cases, while the Patna High Court Chief Justice has a strong track record in criminal and civil jurisprudence. Their elevation to the Supreme Court would not only balance regional representation but also enhance the institutional capacity of the court.

Legal experts highlighted that the collegium’s recommendations reflect a careful balance between seniority and merit. They noted that the Supreme Court has been functioning with several vacancies, which can delay proceedings and affect the speed of justice delivery. Therefore, the addition of two senior judges would strengthen the judicial bench and improve efficiency.

The government is expected to process the recommendations promptly, though past appointments have sometimes seen delays. The collegium system itself has often been a subject of debate between the judiciary and the executive, with calls for greater transparency in judicial appointments. Despite these discussions, the system continues to function as the primary mechanism for selecting judges for the higher judiciary.

If the government approves the collegium’s recommendations, the swearing-in of the new judges could take place in the coming weeks. The elevations would bring the Supreme Court closer to its sanctioned strength, ensuring a more effective handling of the rising docket of cases before the court.

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