Supreme Court Appoints Three New Judges

At the end of March 2024, 80,194 cases were pending in the Supreme Court of India. The top court currently has 34 judges, meaning it has at its full sanctioned strength with the recent appointment of three new judges: Justice N.V. Anjaria, Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice Atul S. Chandurkar. Earlier, the Court had 33 judges, including the Chief Justice. The new appointments were notified by the Centre on Thursday, May 29, 2025, after receiving the President's assent. On Friday, the three judges are expected to be sworn in by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan R Gavai.

Justice Anjaria focused on the need for law awareness among children, whereas Justice Chandurkar played a vital part in a split verdict on the constitutional validity of the amendments to the 2023 Information Technology Rules. Justice Bishnoi's judgement has reflected his juristic excellence in criminal Law and public interest litigation.

Who is Justice Bishnoi?

Justice Vijay Bishnoi, a Rajasthan High Court senior judge, has been elevated to the Supreme Court on the recommendation of the Supreme Court Collegium. Justice Bishnoi is already the Chief Justice of the Guwahati High Court.

Justice Bishnoi, born in 1967, has an illustrious legal practice spanning over three decades. He became an advocate in 1990 and established a robust practice in civil, criminal, constitutional, and service law. He practised heavily in the Rajasthan High Court and lower courts and has an excellent command of procedural and substantive Law.

He was made a judge of the Rajasthan High Court in 2012 and became the senior-most judge afterwards. Throughout his term of office, he passed numerous significant judgements, particularly in criminal Law and public interest litigation. Justice Bishnoi inspires widespread admiration for his judicial approach and clarity in reasoning.

Justice Bishnoi's Notable Rulings

In 2021, a three-judge bench of the Rajasthan High Court, including Bishnoi, ruled that married daughters should have the same rights as others (including unmarried daughters and sons) to get government jobs through compassionate appointments.

In 2018, Justice Bishnoi ruled that a woman has complete and absolute ownership rights over her 'Stridhan' during her marriage. This ruling aims to protect a woman's financial independence and rights over her property.

In 2015, he ruled on the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. The court's ruling means that women who faced domestic violence can seek help and protection under this Law. The magistrate can order the abuser to provide financial support and allow the woman to stay in the shared home.

Who is Justice Chandurkar?

The Collegium has recommended the elevation of Justice Atul Chandurkar, a senior judge of the Bombay High Court, to the Supreme Court.

Born in April 1965, Chandurkar completed his education in Pune, with degrees in commerce and Law, and started his legal practice in Mumbai on July 21, 1988, under senior advocate BN Naik.

Later, Chandurkar moved to Nagpur in 1992, where he practised in various courts. He also wrote two books: 'Maharashtra Municipal Councils Nagar Panchayats and Industrial Townships Act, 1965' and 'Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999'.

Justice Chandurkar's Notable Rulings

In September 2024, his most significant order was when he was the tie-breaker in a divided verdict on the constitutional validity of the 2023 Information Technology Rules amendments. The amendments granted a government-nominated fact-checking unit the power to tag online content concerning government affairs as fake or misleading.

The Supreme Court's collegium recommendation aims to improve the balance of representation from different regions and expertise in specific areas in the apex court. Now, the recommendation needs the president's approval. If approved, Justice Chandurkar will serve until April 6, 2030. His appointment is expected to strengthen the court's role in protecting people's rights in the digital era.

Who is Justice Anjaria?

Justice Nilay Vipin Chandra Anjaria is currently serving as the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court. Born on March 23, 1965, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, he hails from a family of lawyers and judges. His father was also part of the judiciary, which likely influenced his career path.

Justice Anjaria graduated from H.L. College of Commerce, Ahmedabad, and obtained his LL.B. degree from Sir L.A. Shah Law College in 1988. He later earned a Master's degree in Law in 1989 from the University School of Law, Ahmedabad.

He started practising law in the High Court of Gujarat in 1988 and served as Standing Counsel Advocate for various institutions, including the State Election Commission and Gujarat Information Commission.

Justice Anjaria's Notable Rulings

In 2023, Anjaria dismissed a plea to reopen Surat meat shops, citing public health norms. The ruling states that the right to free sale of food products such as meat must be secondary to public health and food safety requirements. The court noted that owners of meat shops and slaughterhouses were noncompliant with licensing and regulatory stipulations, food and safety levels, and pollution control obligations, and they could not reopen unless they became fully compliant.

In 2021, Justice Anjaria passed an order under the POCSO Act to allow a girl who was a victim of sexual abuse to continue her studies from her home, showing empathy and support for her situation.

In 2020, Justice Anjaria protected a couple, allowing them to live together or marry despite opposition from family or society. The court's ruling highlighted the difficulties posed by India's caste system, which can restrict young people's freedom to choose their life partners.

In 2020, Justice Anjaria rejected Yatin Narendra Oza's apology, saying it was insufficient. Oza was accused of contempt of court. Anjaria emphasised that actions that disrespect the court can't be forgiven easily, with just a simple apology.

In another ruling in 2020, in the Legal Awareness among Children case, Justice Anjaria highlighted the importance of teaching children about the Law and their legal rights. One reason it matters is that legal awareness can help children develop a sense of responsibility and respect for the Law.