SC Collegium recommends appointment of permanent judges in Chhattisgarh, Madras HCs
New Delhi, March 24
The Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, on Tuesday recommended the appointment of permanent judges to the High Courts of Chhattisgarh and Madras.
"The Supreme Court Collegium, in its meeting held on 24th March, 2026, has approved the proposals for appointment of the following Additional Judges as Permanent Judges in the High Court of Chhattisgarh: (i) Shri Justice Sachin Singh Rajput, (ii) Shri Justice Radhakishan Agrawal, (iii) Shri Justice Sanjay Kumar Jaiswal, (iv) Shri Justice Bibhu Datta Guru, and (v) Shri Justice Amitendra Kishore Prasad," said a statement uploaded on the official website of the apex court.
In a separate statement, the Collegium approved the proposal for the appointment of three Additional Judges as Permanent Judges in the Madras High Court.
"The Supreme Court Collegium, in its meeting held on 24th March, 2026, has approved the proposal for appointment of the following Additional Judges as Permanent Judges in the Madras High Court: (i) Ms. Justice R. Poornima, (ii) Shri Justice M. Jothiraman, and (iii) Dr. (Smt.) Justice Augustine Devadoss Maria Clete," the statement said.
The Chief Justice and Judges of the High Courts are appointed by the President under clause (1) of Article 217 of the Constitution.
While recommending the appointment of an Additional Judge as a Permanent Judge, the Chief Justice of the High Court is required to furnish detailed statistics, including month-wise disposal of cases and judgments delivered by the judge concerned, as well as the number of cases reported in law journals, duly certified by them.
The data must also include information regarding the total number of working days, the number of days the judge actually attended court, and the days of absence during the relevant period for which disposal statistics are submitted.
Additional Judges are appointed by the President under clause (1) of Article 224 of the Constitution.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's heartening to see a woman judge, Ms. Justice R. Poornima, being made permanent in the Madras HC. We need more diversity on the bench to reflect our society. Wishing all the judges the very best! 🙏
The article mentions the detailed statistics required—disposals, working days, etc. This transparency is crucial. It should reassure the public that appointments are based on merit and performance, not just connections.
While I respect the Collegium system, the process still feels opaque to the common citizen. Who decides if the data submitted is truly reflective? A more participatory system with some public scrutiny would build greater trust.
Interesting to see the mix of backgrounds. Dr. (Smt.) Justice Augustine Devadoss Maria Clete in Madras—the 'Dr.' title suggests an academic background, which can bring a valuable perspective to the judiciary.
Chhattisgarh HC getting five permanent judges is significant for the state. Faster justice in the high court will have a positive trickle-down effect on the lower courts too. A step in the right direction.
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