Three new HC judges, including Justice Joseph, join Supreme Court
What's the story
Three high court judges were today appointed to the Supreme Court, taking the total number of judges in the apex court to 25. Notifications announcing the appointments of Uttarakhand High Court Chief Justice KM Joseph, Madras HC Chief Justice Indira Banerjee, and Odisha HC Chief Justice Vineet Saran to the Supreme Court were issued today. Six vacancies are still left to be filled.
Information
Total number of Supreme Court judges is now 25
The new judges' warrants of appointment were signed by the President last night. Justice Joseph's elevation to the SC ended a protracted stand-off between the government and the judiciary. The number of judges in the SC after the fresh appointments has gone up to 25.
Justice Joseph
Justice Joseph's appointment hit many roadblocks
Justice Joseph's name was recommended by the collegium headed by Chief Justice of India, Dipak Misra, on January 10. On April 30, the government had returned the recommendation for reconsideration on the grounds that he lacked seniority. The Center had also pointed out that several high courts remain unrepresented and Justice Joseph's elevation would be against the principle of regional representation.
Information
Justice Joseph struck down Presidential rule in Uttarakhand in 2016
Justice Joseph's parent high court is the Kerala HC. Justice Joseph had struck down the imposition of President's rule in Uttarakhand in 2016 after the dismissal of a Congress government led by Harish Rawat.
Reiterated recommendation
Justice Joseph's name was again recommended by the collegium
An earlier recommendation of the collegium to transfer Justice Joseph to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana High Court on health grounds was kept pending by the government for a long time. The collegium on May 16 this year in principle reiterated the decision to recommend Justice Joseph's name as a judge of the Supreme Court. But the recommendation was sent to the government in July.