The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended a fresh batch of appointments for the Madras High Court, comprising five Permanent Judges and three Judicial Officers. This key decision was made by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud along with Justices Sanjiv Khanna and BR Gavai. The proposal, set in motion on September 10, 2024, seeks to strengthen the judiciary by promoting Additional Judges and introducing experienced Judicial Officers into the fold.
The Elevation of Permanent Judges
The Collegium has put forth five individuals for permanent roles:
- Justice Lekshmana Chandra Victoria Gowri
- Justice Pillaipakkam Bahukutumbi Balaji
- Justice Kandhasami Kulandaivelu Ramakrishnan
- Justice Ramachandran Kalaimathi
- Justice K Govindarajan Thilakavadi
Judicial Officers in Line for High Court Seats
In addition to the permanent appointments, three distinguished Judicial Officers have been selected for elevation:
- R. Poornima: Known for her strong reputation both personally and professionally, Poornima has been a District Judge since 2011 and has served with unwavering integrity.
- M. Jothiraman: The current Registrar General of the Madras High Court, Jothiraman has been noted for his honesty and balanced approach in the judiciary. Like Poornima, he has been serving as a District Judge since 2011.
- Dr. Augustine Devadoss Maria Clete: With a career beginning as a Civil Judge in 1995, Clete has risen through the ranks, earning her promotion to District Judge in 2013. Her addition to the Bench is expected to increase minority representation in the Madras High Court.
These appointments signal a new chapter for the court as it embraces a diverse and competent set of legal minds to bolster its judicial strength.
