Collegium recommends N Kotiswar for SC Judge
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 11 2024: The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh of Manipur and Justice R Mahadevan to fill two vacancies in the apex court.

The recommendation will see N Kotiswar becoming the first from Manipur to be appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court.

The vacancies arose following the retirement of Justice Aniruddha Bose on April 10, 2024, and Justice AS Bopanna on May 19, 2024 .

The Collegium considered the names of Chief Justices and senior judges from various high courts within the zone of consideration.

In making its recommendations, the Collegium took into account factors such as seniority, merit demonstrated through judgments, integrity, the need for regional, gender, and community diversity, and the inclusion of marginalised and backward segments of the community.

Justice Kotiswar Singh was appointed as Judge of the Gauhati High Court on October 17, 2011 .

Following the establishment of the High Court of Manipur, he was transferred from the Gauhati High Court and on February 15, 2023 appointed as Chief Justice of the High Court for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

He is due to retire on February 28, 2025.His appointment as a Supreme Court Judge be a significant milestone as he will be the first Judge from Manipur to be appointed to the Supreme Court.

Justice Kotiswar Singh has an impeccable record in both judicial capacity and administrative roles, notably as Chief Justice of the High Court for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The Collegium, considering his judicial performance, administrative acumen, integrity, and merit, deemed him eminently suitable for the Supreme Court appointment.

Justice R Mahadevan, currently the Acting Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, has been recognised for his judicial work and seniority.

The Collegium, familiar with his performance and contributions as a senior Judge, also found him eminently suitable for the Supreme Court.

Justice Mahadevan belongs to a backward community from Tamil Nadu, and his appointment is seen as a step towards enhancing diversity on the Bench.

The Collegium noted that Justice Mahadevan ranks third among currently serving judges of the Madras High Court, including those posted as Chief Justices outside the Madras High Court.

His candidacy was prioritised to ensure representation for the backward community.

The Collegium resolved to recommend the appointments of Justice N Kotiswar Singh and Justice R Mahadevan in the order of seniority, with Justice Kotiswar first, followed by Justice Mahadevan.

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