The Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud, has recommended the appointment of five Additional Judges of the Madras High Court as permanent Judges. The decision, dated September 10, 2024, was made after a thorough assessment of the judges’ merit and suitability, following the established procedures.
Judges Recommended for Permanent Appointment:
The Collegium has recommended the following five Additional Judges for appointment as permanent Judges of the Madras High Court:
1. Smt. Justice Lekshmana Chandra Victoria Gowri
2. Shri Justice Pillaipakkam Bahukutumbi Balaji
3. Shri Justice Kandhasami Kulandaivelu Ramakrishnan
4. Smt. Justice Ramachandran Kalaimathi
5. Smt. Justice K. Govindarajan Thilakavadi
On April 29, 2024, the Collegium of the Madras High Court unanimously recommended the names of these five Additional Judges for permanent appointment. The Chief Minister and the Governor of Tamil Nadu subsequently concurred with the recommendation.
By the Memorandum of Procedure, a Supreme Court Judge, who is conversant with the affairs of the Madras High Court, was consulted to evaluate the suitability of these judges for permanent appointment. The sole consulted colleague believed that all five judges are eminently suitable for the role.
Additionally, a two-judge Committee, constituted by the Chief Justice of India as per the resolution of the Supreme Court Collegium dated October 26, 2017, assessed the judgments delivered by these Additional Judges.
Evaluation and Conclusion:
The Supreme Court Collegium meticulously scrutinized and evaluated the material placed on record, including the opinion of the consulted Supreme Court Judge and the reports of the Judgment Evaluation Committee. After considering all relevant aspects, the Collegium concluded that all five Additional Judges are fit and suitable for appointment as permanent Judges of the Madras High Court.
Final Recommendation:
The Collegium, comprising Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, and Justice B. R. Gavai, resolved to recommend the appointment of the five Additional Judges as permanent Judges of the Madras High Court against the existing vacancies.
Signatories:
– Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud
– Justice Sanjiv Khanna
– Justice B. R. Gavai
This recommendation now awaits the final approval from the President of India, following which the appointments will be formally notified.
