Justice P. S. Narasimha Joins Supreme Court Collegium as New Member

A significant change has taken place in the Supreme Court Collegium, the body responsible for recommending the appointment and transfer of judges in India’s higher judiciary. Following the retirement of Justice J.K. Maheshwari, Justice P. S. Narasimha has become the newest and fifth member of the Collegium.

As the fifth senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, Justice P. S. Narasimha will remain a member of the Collegium until his retirement, playing a key role in decisions related to judicial appointments and transfers.

Why Has the Supreme Court Collegium Changed?

The change in the Collegium became effective after Justice J.K. Maheshwari retired from the Supreme Court upon completing nearly five years of service.

According to the seniority convention followed in the Supreme Court, the fifth senior-most judge becomes a member of the Collegium whenever a vacancy arises. As a result, Justice P. S. Narasimha has now joined the Collegium.

Who Is Justice P. S. Narasimha?

Justice P. S. Narasimha is a senior judge of the Supreme Court of India and a distinguished jurist who has served as both a renowned Senior Advocate and a judge, contributing significantly to the country’s legal and constitutional system. 

• New Role: Member of the Supreme Court Collegium.
• Joined the Supreme Court: Appointed as a Supreme Court judge in 2021.
• Former Role: Served as the Additional Solicitor General of India before his elevation to the Supreme Court.
• Legal Career: Practised as a Senior Advocate and argued several important constitutional and commercial cases.
• Expertise: Known for his expertise in constitutional law, administrative law, and commercial litigation.
• Collegium Membership: Became the fifth member of the Supreme Court Collegium after the retirement of Justice J.K. Maheshwari.
• Key Responsibility: Participates in recommending the appointment, elevation, and transfer of judges in the higher judiciary.
• Significance: Plays an important role in strengthening the independence and effectiveness of India’s judicial system.

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Current Members of the Supreme Court Collegium

Following the latest change, the Supreme Court Collegium now consists of the following five members:

• Chief Justice of India Surya Kant (Chairperson)
• Justice Vikram Nath
• Justice B. V. Nagarathna
• Justice M. M. Sundresh
• Justice P. S. Narasimha

Together, these judges are responsible for making recommendations on appointments and transfers in the higher judiciary.

Role of the Supreme Court Collegium

The Supreme Court Collegium plays a vital role in maintaining the independence and efficiency of India’s judiciary by recommending appointments, transfers, and elevations of judges in the higher courts.

• Recommends the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court.
• Recommends the appointment of judges to the High Courts.
• Suggests the transfer of High Court judges from one High Court to another.
• Recommends the appointment of Chief Justices of High Courts.
• Evaluates the merit, seniority, and suitability of judges before making recommendations.
• Ensures judicial independence by keeping the appointment process free from external influence.
• Maintains transparency and consistency in the selection of judges through established conventions.
• Advises the Central Government on judicial appointments, which are formally made by the President of India.
• Helps fill judicial vacancies to ensure the smooth functioning of courts.
• Strengthens the higher judiciary by recommending qualified and experienced judges.