Collegium Clears Four High Court Chief Justices

The Supreme Court Collegium recommended five names for elevation to the Supreme Court on 27 May 2026. The list includes four High Court Chief Justices and Senior Advocate V. Mohana.

Supreme Court Collegium

The Supreme Court Collegium is the body that recommends appointments and transfers of judges in the higher judiciary of India. It is headed by the Chief Justice of India and includes the senior-most judges of the Supreme Court.

Names Recommended for Elevation

The four High Court Chief Justices recommended for elevation are Justice Sheel Nagu of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Justice Shree Chandrashekhar of the Bombay High Court, Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, and Justice Arun Palli of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court. Senior Advocate V. Mohana was also recommended for appointment to the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court Strength and Appointment Process

The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 increased the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court from 34 to 38 judges, including the Chief Justice of India. The change followed an ordinance promulgated on 16 May 2026.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Supreme Court of India was established on 26 January 1950 under the Constitution of India.
• The Chief Justice of India heads the Supreme Court Collegium in judicial appointments.
• Justice B.V. Nagarathna is a woman judge of the Supreme Court of India.
• The sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court includes the Chief Justice of India.

Current Working Strength

As of 27 May 2026, the Supreme Court was functioning with 32 judges. Further retirements were expected in 2026, and the recommendations were made during the tenure of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, which ends in February 2027.