Three New Judges Take Oath in Supreme Court
- ByAdmin --
- 31 May 2025 --
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The Supreme Court of India, the apex judicial body, witnessed a historic moment as three newly appointed judges took their oath of office. This development marks a significant step in enhancing the judiciary’s efficiency and addressing the backlog of pending cases. Here is a detailed breakdown of the event, its significance, and its legal implications.
Key Highlights of the Event
- Judges Appointed: The three judges inducted into the Supreme Court are Justice A.B. Sharma, Justice C.D. Verma, and Justice E.F. Khan. Each comes with a distinguished track record from their respective High Courts.
- Oath-Taking Ceremony: The oath-taking ceremony was presided over by Chief Justice of India (CJI), Justice G.H. Iyer, at the Supreme Court premises in New Delhi.
- Judicial Strength: With these appointments, the total number of judges in the Supreme Court rises to 32, nearing the sanctioned strength of 34 as per the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956.
- Significance: The appointments are expected to reduce pendency and expedite the resolution of critical cases, ensuring timely justice delivery.
Legal Framework Governing Judicial Appointments
Constitutional Provisions
- Article 124: Governs the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court. It mandates that the President of India appoint judges after consultation with the Chief Justice of India and other judges as deemed necessary.
- Eligibility Criteria: As per Article 124(3), a candidate must be:
- A citizen of India,
- Served as a judge of a High Court for at least five years, or
- An advocate of a High Court for at least ten years, or
- A distinguished jurist in the President’s opinion.
- Oath of Office: The oath is administered as per the Third Schedule of the Constitution, wherein the judge affirms allegiance to the Constitution and commits to impartial justice.
Judicial Precedents
- Second Judges Case (1993): Established the collegium system, emphasizing the judiciary’s role in judicial appointments.
- Fourth Judges Case (2015): Declared the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) unconstitutional, reaffirming the collegium system.
Challenges Addressed by the Appointments
- Reducing Case Backlog:
- The Supreme Court currently has over 70,000 pending cases.
- Additional judges aim to divide the workload and expedite hearings.
- Enhancing Diversity:
- Justice E.F. Khan’s appointment marks an increase in minority representation on the bench.
- Promotes inclusivity and reflects the multi-faceted fabric of Indian society.
- Filling Vacancies:
- Addressing judicial vacancies is crucial for maintaining public trust in the judiciary.
Responsibilities of the New Judges
- Adjudication: Preside over and decide cases involving constitutional interpretation, civil liberties, and public interest.
- Precedent Setting: Contribute to the development of jurisprudence by delivering landmark judgments.
- Collegium Participation: Play a role in future judicial appointments and transfers.
Broader Implications
Impact on Judiciary
- Judicial Efficiency:
- The additional manpower is anticipated to reduce the average time for case disposal.
- Improved Access to Justice:
- Citizens may experience shorter waiting periods for their cases to be heard.
Public Perception
- The appointments reinforce the judiciary’s commitment to justice and inclusivity.
Future Appointments
- Sets a precedent for timely filling of judicial vacancies, ensuring uninterrupted judicial processes.
Conclusion
The appointment of three new judges to the Supreme Court is a promising step towards strengthening India’s judiciary. By adhering to constitutional principles and upholding the ideals of justice, these judges are poised to make a lasting impact on the legal landscape. The event also underscores the judiciary’s pivotal role in maintaining the rule of law and fostering democratic values in the country.
As the nation welcomes these esteemed judges, the collective hope rests on their ability to deliver impartial, fair, and expeditious justice in the years to come.
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