In a significant step towards filling vacancies on the Supreme Court bench, the Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai has recommended the elevation of three prominent High Court judges.

Once approved, the appointments will bring the Supreme Court back to its sanctioned strength of 34 judges.

The names proposed for elevation include:

• Justice NV Anjaria, the current Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court. Originally from the Gujarat High Court, he began his legal career in 1988 under the mentorship of Senior Advocate SN Shelat. Over the decades, he has dealt with a wide array of matters—ranging from constitutional and civil to labour and service law. He was appointed to the Gujarat High Court in 2011 and took charge of the Karnataka High Court in February 2024.

• Justice Vijay Bishnoi, now serving as Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, hails from the Rajasthan High Court. Having started his legal practice in 1989, he has experience in civil, criminal, constitutional, service, and election law. Justice Bishnoi has previously served as Additional Central Government Standing Counsel and represented various Rajasthan government departments. He was made a permanent judge of the Rajasthan High Court in 2015 and assumed leadership of the Gauhati High Court in February 2024.

• Justice Atul S. Chandurkar, a sitting judge of the Bombay High Court, began his legal practice in 1988 before moving to Nagpur, where he developed a robust and varied practice. He has also authored legal commentaries on municipal and rent control laws in Maharashtra. Justice Chandurkar was appointed to the Bombay High Court bench in 2013.

The recommendations come at a pivotal moment, with the Supreme Court functioning at a reduced strength of 31 judges following the recent retirements of Justices Sanjiv Khanna, Abhay S. Oka, and Bela M. Trivedi. The proposed elevations are expected to ease the workload and enhance the court’s efficiency as it returns to full capacity.