The Supreme Court recently has reached its full strength of 34 judges with the recent swearing-in of three new justices: Satish Chandra Sharma, Augustine George Masih, and Sandeep Mehta. This move was prompted by the court's acknowledgment of an increased workload for judges.
The appointments were recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium and subsequently approved by the Centre. Justices Sharma, Masih, and Mehta bring extensive judicial experience from their previous roles, having served in various high courts, including Delhi, Rajasthan, Telangana, Punjab, Haryana, and Gauhati. This enhancement of the Supreme Court's bench aims to address the growing demands on the judiciary.
Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, formerly Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, had a distinguished tenure, serving as a judge for over 15 years, with more than 2 years as Chief Justice. Justice Augustine George Masih, previously Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court, transitioned from the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Justice Sandeep Mehta, the former Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court, originally served as a judge in the Rajasthan High Court. Their combined expertise and diverse backgrounds are expected to contribute significantly to the Supreme Court's ability to handle its expanding caseload effectively.
The recent clearance by the Centre underscores the importance of reinforcing the judiciary to ensure the timely and efficient dispensation of justice. With these new appointments, the Supreme Court is poised to navigate the complex legal landscape and uphold the principles of justice in the face of increasing legal challenges.