Justice V. Mohana Sworn In as Supreme Court Judge

Justice V. Mohana was sworn in as a judge of the Supreme Court of India on 2 June 2026. She became the 12th woman judge in the history of the Supreme Court of India and the second woman lawyer directly elevated from the Bar to the apex court after Justice Indu Malhotra in 2018.

Supreme Court of India

The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial body under the Constitution of India. It began functioning on 28 January 1950 and sits in New Delhi.

Collegium System

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

Judicial Strength and Tenure

The Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, recommended her elevation on 27 May 2026. The Central Government cleared the recommendation on 31 May 2026, and the working strength of the Supreme Court rose to 37 against a sanctioned strength of 38.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Supreme Court of India has a sanctioned strength of 38 judges under the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956.
• Justice Indu Malhotra became the first woman lawyer directly elevated from the Bar to the Supreme Court in 2018.
• Justice B.V. Nagarathna is one of the sitting women judges of the Supreme Court of India.
• Justice V. Mohana is expected to retire in June 2031 after a tenure of nearly five years.