On May 29, 2025, the Government of India officially appointed three distinguished judges to the Supreme Court, restoring the apex court’s full sanctioned strength of 34 judges.
This significant development follows the recommendations made by the Supreme Court Collegium on May 26, 2025, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai. The newly appointed judges are:
- Justice N.V. Anjaria, Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court
- Justice Vijay Bishnoi, Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court
- Justice A.S. Chandurkar, Judge of the Bombay High Court
This article provides an in-depth look at their backgrounds, the significance of their appointments, and the broader implications for the Indian judiciary.
Justice N.V. Anjaria: From Gujarat to the Apex Court
Justice N.V. Anjaria has had a distinguished career in the Indian judiciary. Before his elevation to the Supreme Court, he served as the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court.
His legal journey began in the Gujarat High Court, where he was known for his expertise in constitutional law and civil matters. His tenure in Karnataka was marked by several landmark judgments that emphasized judicial efficiency and transparency.
Justice Anjaria’s appointment to the Supreme Court is seen as a move to bring his vast experience and balanced jurisprudence to the national stage.
His deep understanding of both northern and southern legal landscapes positions him uniquely to contribute to the diverse challenges faced by the apex court.
Justice Vijay Bishnoi: A Jurist with Diverse Experience
Born on March 26, 1964, in Jodhpur, Justice Vijay Bishnoi enrolled as an advocate in 1989. He practiced extensively at the Rajasthan High Court and the Central Administrative Tribunal in Jodhpur, handling a wide range of cases, including civil, criminal, constitutional, and service matters.
His dedication and legal acumen led to his appointment as an Additional Judge of the Rajasthan High Court on January 8, 2013, and he was confirmed as a Permanent Judge on January 7, 2015.
In February 2024, he took oath as the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court. His tenure there was noted for efforts to improve judicial infrastructure and reduce case backlogs.
Justice Bishnoi’s elevation to the Supreme Court brings a wealth of experience from various jurisdictions, enhancing the court’s capacity to address complex legal issues.
Justice A.S. Chandurkar: Upholding Constitutional Values
Justice Atul S. Chandurkar, born in 1965, began his legal practice in Mumbai in 1988 before moving to Nagpur in 1992. He was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court on June 21, 2013, and became a Permanent Judge on March 2, 2016.
Justice Chandurkar is renowned for his contributions to constitutional jurisprudence, particularly in areas concerning digital rights and freedom of speech.
In 2024, he authored a pivotal verdict on the constitutional validity of amendments to the IT Rules, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding online freedoms.
His scholarly approach and commitment to upholding constitutional values make him a valuable addition to the Supreme Court, especially in an era where digital rights are increasingly under scrutiny.
Significance of the Appointments
The appointment of these three judges is part of a broader initiative by the Supreme Court Collegium to enhance the efficiency and representation within the judiciary. On May 26, 2025, the Collegium recommended not only these three appointments
but also the elevation of five new High Court Chief Justices and the transfer of 22 High Court judges along with four Chief Justices. This large-scale reshuffle aims to address regional disparities and bring diverse perspectives to the higher judiciary.
Notably, two of the newly appointed Supreme Court judges are expected to have nearly five-year tenures, providing stability and continuity to the court’s functioning.
Enhancing Transparency in Judicial Appointments
In a landmark move to promote transparency, the Supreme Court of India has decided to make the entire process of appointing judges to the High Courts and the Supreme Court publicly accessible.
Details of the appointment process are now available on the Apex Court’s official website, reflecting an effort to build public trust and ensure greater scrutiny in the selection of judges.
Furthermore, data released by the Supreme Court indicates that only 14 out of 221 individuals recommended for judgeship appointments between November 9, 2022, and May 5, 2025, were related to sitting or former judges of the Supreme Court or High Courts. This counters concerns about prevalent nepotism in the judicial appointment process.
The appointment of Justices N.V. Anjaria, Vijay Bishnoi, and A.S. Chandurkar to the Supreme Court marks a significant step in strengthening India’s judiciary.
Their diverse backgrounds and extensive legal experience are expected to enrich the Supreme Court’s deliberations and contribute to the delivery of justice across the nation.
These appointments, coupled with efforts to enhance transparency and representation, reflect a judiciary that is evolving to meet the complex demands of contemporary India.
