Five New Judges Sworn In, Supreme Court Strength Increases to 37
Introduction of New Judges
The Supreme Court of India has welcomed five new judges, taking its working strength to 37 judges, with only one position remaining vacant.
The appointments come shortly after the Union Government increased the Court’s sanctioned strength from 33 to 37 judges, excluding the Chief Justice of India (CJI), through the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026.
The ordinance, promulgated on May 16, was aimed at addressing the Court’s mounting backlog of over 93,000 cases and facilitating the regular convening of Constitution Benches.
Swearing-in Ceremony
CJI Surya Kant administered the oath of office to former Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief Justice Sheel Nagu, former Bombay High Court Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar, former Madhya Pradesh High Court Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, former High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh Chief Justice Arun Palli, and Senior Advocate V.S. Mohana.
Senior advocate Mohana’s elevation to the Bench is particularly significant as it increases the number of women judges on the Supreme Court Bench, which currently has only one woman judge, Justice B.V. Nagarathna.
Significance of the Appointments
The swearing-in ceremony, attended by judges of the Supreme Court and members of the Bar, marked the first set of appointments to the top court recommended by the collegium headed by CJI Kant.
Upon assuming office as the 53rd CJI in November last year, the Chief Justice had identified reducing the Supreme Court’s pendency as one of his foremost priorities.
Collegium Recommendations
The collegium had, on May 27, recommended the elevation of the four High Court Chief Justices and senior advocate V. Mohana to the apex court.
The recommendations were subsequently forwarded to the Union Government for approval and the issuance of warrants of appointment by the President.
Impact on the Supreme Court
The new appointments come at a time when the Supreme Court is adjusting to its expanded sanctioned strength while also preparing for a series of retirements.
Justice Pankaj Mithal is due to retire on June 6, followed by Justice J.K. Maheshwari on June 28, Justice Sanjay Karol on August 28 and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma on November 29.
The latest inductions are therefore expected to help maintain the court’s working strength during the tenure of CJI Kant, who is set to retire in February 2027.