Context:

• The Supreme Court bench returned to its full strength as high court chief justices Satish Chandra Sharma, Augustine George Masih and Sandeep Mehta took oath as judges of the Supreme court.

Evolution and Composition of the Supreme Court of India: A Look at Article 124(1)

• At Present the Supreme Court consists of thirty-four Judges (One Chief Justice and Thirty Three Other Judges).
• Constitutional Provision: Article 124(1)  state that “there shall be a supreme court of india consisting of a Chief Justice Of India and, Until Parliament by law Prescribe a larger Number, Of more than seven other judges.’’
• Originally, the Supreme Court had eight judges (one chief justice and seven others). The Parliament has increased the number of judges over time.

Appointment Procedure: The judges of the SC appointed by President On the recommendation of Collegium of judges.

• The Collegium deliberates on and discusses the names of Chief Justices and senior puisne Judges of the High Courts eligible for appointment to the Supreme Court.
• While recommending appointments to the Supreme Court the Collegium has taken into consideration the following aspects:
  • The seniority of Chief Justices and senior puisne Judges in their respective parent High Courts as well as overall seniority of the High Court Judges; 
  • The merit, performance and integrity of the judges under consideration; and 
  • The need to ensure diversity and inclusion in the Supreme Court by: 
    • representation of High Courts which are not represented or are inadequately represented, in the Supreme Court; 
    • appointment of persons from marginalized and backward segments of society;
    • gender diversity; 
    • representation of minorities.

News Source: The Indian Express

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