Chief Justice Manmohan

The Supreme Court Collegium has recently recommended the elevation of Justice Manmohan, the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, to the Supreme Court. This move is seen as a significant step in filling vacancies in the apex court and comes after a recent meeting of the collegium.

Composition of the Collegium

The Supreme Court Collegium, which made this recommendation, is led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna. The other members of the collegium include Justices BR Gavai, Surya Kant, Hrishikesh Roy, and AS Oka. The current strength of the Supreme Court stands at 32 judges, which is two short of the sanctioned strength of 34, due to the retirements of Justices Hima Kohli and DY Chandrachud.

Profile of Justice Manmohan

Justice Manmohan, born on December 17, 1962, in Delhi, is a distinguished legal figure with a career spanning several decades. He pursued his education at Modern School, Delhi, and completed his Bachelor of Arts (History) at Hindu College, Delhi University. After earning his LLB degree from the Campus Law Centre in 1987, he started his legal practice.

At 61, Justice Manmohan brings extensive experience to the table. His career has included roles in both the Supreme Court of India and the Delhi High Court, handling a wide range of cases across civil, criminal, constitutional, tax, arbitration, and service law.

A Distinguished Legal Career

Justice Manmohan’s legal career includes several noteworthy cases. He served as senior panel counsel for the Government of India and was conferred senior advocate status by the Delhi High Court in 2003. Some of the high-profile cases he has been involved in include matters related to the Dabhol Power Company, the Hyderabad Nizam’s Jewellery Trust, and the Claridges Hotel case.

Justice Manmohan’s judicial journey began in March 2008 when he was appointed as a supplemental judge to the Delhi High Court. His appointment was later confirmed as permanent in 2009. In November 2023, he was appointed the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, a role he has been fulfilling with distinction. In September 2024, he also served as the Acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court.

With his deep legal expertise and significant contributions to the judiciary, Justice Manmohan’s proposed elevation to the Supreme Court is expected to reinforce the bench and possibly usher in a new era of judicial activism at the apex court.