SC Collegium recommends the appointment of three additional judges, two from J&K and Ladakh HC, and Bombay HC, as permanent
On January 04, 2024, the Supreme Court (SC) Collegium recommended the appointment of three additional judges as permanent judges. Two additional judges from the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court and one additional judge from the Bombay High Court. The additional judges who have been recommended for appointment as permanent judges are Justice Rahul Bharti, Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi, and Justice Abhay Ahuja. The resolution was passed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, and Justice B.R. Gavai.
Justice Rahul Bharti was appointed as an additional judge of J&K and Ladakh HC on March 28, 2023. While recommending his name, Collegium considered the view of a Committee (Judgment Assessment Committee) of two judges of the SC constituted by the Chief Justice of India. The Committee has assessed the judgments of Justice Bharti and rated the quality of his judgments as ‘Good’ and ‘Fairly Reasonable’. Further, SC Collegium stated in its resolution, “With a view to assess the merit and suitability of Shri Justice Rahul Bharti for appointment as permanent Judge, we have scrutinized and evaluated the material placed on record. Having taken into consideration all aspects of the matter, the Collegium is of the view that Shri Justice Rahul Bharti, Additional Judge, is fit and suitable for being appointed as permanent Judge.”
Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi was also appointed as an additional judge of J&K and Ladakh HC on March 28, 2023. The Collegium observed that the Committee has rated the quality of her judgments as ‘Good’ and ‘Reasonably well written’. Further, SC Collegium stated in its resolution, “With a view to assess the merit and suitability of Ms. Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi for appointment as permanent Judge, we have scrutinized and evaluated the material placed on record. Having regard to all the relevant factors, the Collegium is of the considered view that Ms Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi, Additional Judge, is suitable for appointment as permanent Judge of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.”
Justice Abhay Ahuja was appointed as an additional judge of Bombay HC on March 04, 2020, and his term was further extended with effect from 04 March 2023. While recommending his name, the Collegium observed the Committee’s viewpoint, which assessed his judgments. It reported that his judgments are up to the mark. Further, SC Collegium stated in its resolution, “With a view to assess the merit and suitability of Shri Justice Abhay Ahuja for appointment as permanent Judge, we have scrutinized and evaluated the material placed on record, including the opinion of our consultee-colleagues. Having considered all aspects of the matter and on an overall consideration of the above proposal including the opinion of our consultee-colleagues regarding his suitability, the Collegium is of the considered view that Shri Justice Abhay Ahuja is fit and suitable for being appointed as permanent Judge of the High Court.”
