The Supreme Court of India witnessed a moment of immense constitutional significance today as five distinguished jurists were sworn in as Judges of the Supreme Court of India. Hon’ble the Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, administered the oath of office to Justice Sheel Nagu, Justice Shree Chandrashekhar, Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, Justice Arun Palli, and Senior Advocate V. Mohana during a solemn ceremony held at the Supreme Court premises in New Delhi. These appointments mark a significant milestone in the continued strengthening of India’s constitutional judiciary and take the working strength of the Supreme Court to 37 judges, bringing it close to the newly expanded sanctioned strength of 38 judges.
The elevation of these eminent legal minds reflects the enduring commitment of the constitutional framework towards ensuring judicial excellence, institutional independence, and the effective administration of justice. At a time when the judiciary continues to shoulder an ever-expanding caseload involving complex constitutional, commercial, criminal, and public law disputes, the induction of five accomplished jurists is a welcome development for the legal fraternity and litigants across the nation.
Among the newly appointed judges, Justice Sheel Nagu brings with him decades of distinguished judicial experience, having served with distinction in the higher judiciary before holding the office of Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Justice Shree Chandrashekhar, who served as Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, has earned widespread respect for his judicial acumen and commitment to constitutional values. Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, former Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, is widely recognized for his contributions to civil, constitutional, and administrative jurisprudence. Justice Arun Palli, who served as Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, has consistently demonstrated exceptional judicial scholarship and balanced adjudication. Most notably, Senior Advocate V. Mohana joins the Supreme Court Bench directly from the Bar, a distinction reserved for only a select few legal luminaries in India’s constitutional history. His elevation reflects the confidence reposed in his outstanding advocacy, scholarship, and contribution to the development of Indian law.
The appointments are particularly significant because they come shortly after the expansion of the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court from 34 to 38 judges, a measure intended to address mounting pendency and enhance judicial efficiency. The strengthening of the Apex Court is expected to contribute substantially to the expeditious disposal of matters and the continued evolution of constitutional jurisprudence in India.
The elevation of Senior Advocate V. Mohana also deserves special mention. Direct appointments from the Bar to the Supreme Court remain relatively rare and have historically been reserved for advocates of exceptional standing. Such appointments enrich the institution by bringing to the Bench a diverse perspective grounded in extensive courtroom practice and legal scholarship.
Today’s ceremony is not merely an administrative event; it is a reaffirmation of the constitutional promise that justice shall be administered by individuals of the highest integrity, competence, and independence. Every judicial appointment to the Supreme Court carries with it the responsibility of safeguarding constitutional morality, protecting fundamental rights, preserving the rule of law, and ensuring that the judiciary remains the ultimate guardian of democratic values.
The legal fraternity, members of the Bar, litigants, academicians, and citizens across the country join in extending their heartfelt congratulations to the newly sworn-in judges. Their elevation represents not only personal achievement but also an institutional gain for the Republic of India.
Present Composition of the Supreme Court of India
Following today’s swearing-in ceremony, the Supreme Court of India consists of Hon’ble the Chief Justice of India and 36 companion judges, making a total working strength of 37 judges against a sanctioned strength of 38.
The Court is headed by Hon’ble the Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, and includes among its distinguished members Justice Vikram Nath, Justice J.K. Maheshwari, Justice B.V. Nagarathna, Justice M.M. Sundresh, Justice Pankaj Mithal, Justice Sanjay Karol, Justice P.V. Sanjay Kumar and other companion judges of the Supreme Court, together with the five newly inducted judges.
A Moment Worth Celebrating
The elevation of five accomplished jurists to the nation’s highest constitutional court is a matter of pride for the Indian judiciary and the legal profession. It reinforces public confidence in judicial institutions and underscores the continuing evolution of the Supreme Court as a guardian of constitutional governance.
As members of the legal fraternity, we extend our sincere congratulations to Justice Sheel Nagu, Justice Shree Chandrashekhar, Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, Justice Arun Palli, and Justice V. Mohana on their elevation to the Supreme Court of India. We wish them a distinguished tenure marked by wisdom, integrity, judicial statesmanship, and unwavering commitment to constitutional values.
The Indian judiciary grows stronger today. The Constitution stands reinforced. Justice marches forward.