Supreme Court Collegium Nominates Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal for Apex Court Elevation

The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended Gujarat High Court Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal for elevation as a judge in the apex court, alongside two other chief justices.

The collegium cleared the nominations during a meeting on Monday. Alongside Justice Agarwal, the panel proposed the elevation of Telangana High Court Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya.

If cleared by the Union government, the appointments will fill existing vacancies in the Supreme Court, which currently operates with 34 judges against a sanctioned strength of 38.

A Historic Tenure in Gujarat

Justice Agarwal assumed office as the 29th Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court in July 2023. At the time of her swearing-in, she held the distinction of being the only female chief justice across all 25 high courts in India. She succeeded Justice Sonia Gokani, becoming the second woman to head the state's highest court.

Before her tenure in Ahmedabad, she spent over two decades practising civil law. She enrolled as an advocate in December 1990 and practised primarily at the Allahabad High Court. She was elevated as an additional judge there in November 2011 and took oath as a permanent judge in August 2013.

Next Steps for the Nominees

The recommendations now head to the Union Ministry of Law and Justice for final clearance. Once the government approves the names, the President of India will issue the formal warrants of appointment. The induction of the three senior judges will strengthen the working strength of the top court as it deals with a heavy daily docket.