In a significant development, the Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, has recommended the elevation of three distinguished High Court judges to the Supreme Court of India. The Collegium’s decision, announced today, marks a pivotal moment in the judicial appointments process, reinforcing the commitment to uphold judicial excellence and regional representation in the apex court.
The judges recommended for elevation are:
- Justice N.V. Anjaria, currently serving as the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, originally from the Gujarat High Court;
- Justice Vijay Bishnoi, Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, whose parent High Court is Rajasthan;
- Justice Atul S. Chandurkar, a senior judge at the Bombay High Court.
Profiles of the Appointees
Justice N.V. Anjaria began his legal career in 1988 at the Gujarat High Court under the mentorship of Senior Advocate S.N. Shelat. Over the years, he gained extensive experience in constitutional, civil, labour, and service law. His distinguished service includes acting as standing counsel for prominent state institutions such as the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation and the State Election Commission. Appointed as an Additional Judge of the Gujarat High Court in 2011, he was made permanent in 2013. In February 2024, he took oath as Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court.
Justice Vijay Bishnoi has had a diverse legal practice since his enrollment as an advocate in 1989. Practicing primarily in Jodhpur, he handled a broad spectrum of legal matters, from civil and criminal law to constitutional and election disputes. His public service includes a stint as Additional Central Government Standing Counsel and legal representation for several Rajasthan government departments. Elevated to the Rajasthan High Court in 2013 and confirmed as a permanent judge in 2015, he assumed the role of Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court earlier this year.
Justice Atul S. Chandurkar, enrolled in 1988, began his practice under Senior Advocate B.N. Naik in Mumbai before relocating to Nagpur in 1992. Known for his comprehensive legal acumen, he has dealt with a wide variety of cases across courts. Justice Chandurkar is also a legal author, having written on key legislative frameworks in Maharashtra, including the Rent Control Act and the Municipal Council Act. He was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in 2013.
The recommendation of these three jurists reflects a deliberate effort by the Collegium to bring a balance of regional representation and subject matter expertise to the Supreme Court bench. Their collective experience spans across vital sectors of governance and law, including constitutional litigation, government service law, and local governance statutes.
Once cleared by the government, these appointments will bolster the strength of the Supreme Court and enhance its capacity to handle a burgeoning caseload with greater efficiency and depth of legal insight.
