The Ministry of Law and Justice, under the Central Government, announced on Tuesday the appointment of N Kotiswar Singh and R Mahadevan as judges to the Supreme Court of India. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal confirmed the appointments, made by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice of India.
Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh, currently Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, and Acting Chief Justice of Madras High Court R Mahadevan, were elevated based on recommendations from the Supreme Court Collegium. Singh's appointment is notable as he becomes the first Supreme Court judge from Manipur, aiming to enhance representation from the North-East.
The Collegium, comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, Surya Kant, and Hrishikesh Roy, praised Singh for his judicial acumen, integrity, and administrative skills. Justice Mahadevan, representing Tamil Nadu's backward community, was recognized for his judicial work and seniority, bringing diversity to the Bench. These appointments fill vacancies left by Justices Aniruddha Bose and AS Bopanna's retirements, ensuring the Supreme Court operates at its full strength of 34 judges.
The Supreme Court Collegium recommended their appointments on July 11. Upon their swearing-in, the Supreme Court will function at its full complement of 34 judges.
Justice Singh has served as Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court since February 2023. Originally from Imphal, Manipur, Justice Singh is the son of the late Justice N Ibotombi Singh of the Gauhati High Court and N Gomati Devi. His legal career began at the Supreme Court of India before becoming Senior Advocate at the Gauhati High Court in 2008. Appointed as an additional judge in 2011 and permanent judge in 2012 at the Gauhati High Court, he later served at the Manipur High Court before returning to Gauhati and eventually becoming Chief Justice.
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