On Thursday, May 29, 2025, the Government of India formally approved the appointment of three new judges to the Supreme Court, bringing the country’s highest court to its full sanctioned strength of 34 judges. This marks a significant development in the functioning of the judiciary, ensuring that the Supreme Court is now fully staffed to meet the increasing demands of justice delivery in the country.
The announcement was made by Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal through a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). In his statement, the Minister said that the President of India, after consulting with the Chief Justice of India (CJI), was pleased to appoint Justice N.V. Anjaria, the current Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court; Justice Vijay Bishnoi, who is serving as Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court; and Justice Atul S. Chandurkar, a senior judge of the Bombay High Court, to the Supreme Court.
The swearing-in ceremony for the newly appointed judges is scheduled to take place on the morning of Friday, May 30, 2025. Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai is expected to administer the oath of office to the new judges in a formal ceremony at the Supreme Court premises in New Delhi.
This move comes shortly after the Supreme Court Collegium, headed by CJI Gavai, forwarded its recommendations to the Centre just three days ago. The swift acceptance and approval of the Collegium’s suggestions reflect a coordinated and timely process between the judiciary and the executive in addressing judicial vacancies.
Justice N.V. Anjaria brings with him decades of experience. He began his legal practice in 1988 and was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Gujarat High Court on November 21, 2011. He was made a permanent judge on September 6, 2013, and later took oath as Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court on February 25, 2024. His elevation to the Supreme Court is seen as a recognition of his legal acumen and administrative capabilities.
Justice Vijay Bishnoi, whose judicial career also began in the late 1980s, started his law practice in 1989. He was elevated as an Additional Judge of the Rajasthan High Court in January 2013 and confirmed as a permanent judge in January 2015. Over the years, Justice Bishnoi has developed a strong reputation for his judgments and leadership, which culminated in his appointment as Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court.
Justice Atul S. Chandurkar is another seasoned legal mind who began his legal career in 1988. He was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in June 2013. Known for his meticulous approach to legal interpretation and jurisprudence, Justice Chandurkar’s elevation is expected to add significant depth to the Supreme Court bench.
The appointments of these three senior judges not only fill existing vacancies but also signal a renewed push to strengthen the top court’s capacity to deliver timely and effective justice. In recent years, the Supreme Court has faced a mounting backlog of cases. Operating with a full bench of 34 judges offers the potential to streamline judicial proceedings and enhance the court’s overall efficiency.
These elevations are also being closely watched by legal observers and practitioners across the country, as the new judges are expected to contribute significantly to the evolving landscape of Indian jurisprudence. Their diverse experiences, regional representation, and robust judicial records bring a wide spectrum of perspectives to the Supreme Court.
As the three judges prepare to assume their new responsibilities, the legal fraternity has welcomed the appointments with optimism and anticipation. With a full bench now in place, the Supreme Court is better positioned to address complex constitutional questions, uphold the rule of law, and reinforce public confidence in India’s judicial system.
