Justice Manmohan was sworn in as the newest judge of the Supreme Court on Thursday, bringing the total strength of the Court to 32 judges, just two short of its authorised limit of 34. The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, marking a significant milestone in Justice Manmohan’s judicial career.
The appointment follows an official warrant issued by President Draupadi Murmu on December 3, confirming Justice Manmohan’s elevation after the Supreme Court Collegium’s recommendation on November 28. This move aims to bolster the Court’s diversity and judicial representation.
Justice Manmohan’s appointment enhances the representation of the Delhi High Court in the Supreme Court. He becomes the second judge from the Delhi HC, joining CJI Khanna, who is also from Delhi. The Collegium, consisting of CJI Khanna and Justices Bhushan R. Gavai, Surya Kant, Hrishikesh Roy, and Abhay S. Oka, recommended Justice Manmohan’s appointment, citing his seniority and regional representation. “Currently, the Supreme Court bench is represented by only one judge from the Delhi High Court,” the Collegium noted in its resolution, calling for more balanced representation.
Born on December 17, 1962, in Delhi, Justice Manmohan has had a distinguished legal career since beginning his practice in 1987. He was designated a senior advocate in 2003, later appointed to the Delhi High Court in 2008, and served as its acting chief justice before being appointed as its full-time chief justice in September 2023.
With Justice Manmohan’s elevation, the Supreme Court edges closer to its full strength of 34 judges, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining a diverse and balanced judicial representation.
