The Central Government of India has recently made headlines with the appointment of Justice Manmohan as a judge of the Supreme Court, marking a significant moment for the judiciary. The announcement took place on December 3, 2024, and is seen as instrumental in addressing the representation of the Delhi High Court within India’s apex court.
Justice Manmohan has been serving as the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, having been elevated to the position just over two months prior on September 29, 2024. His appointment was made official following President Droupadi Murmu's approval, hinged upon the recommendations from the Supreme Court collegium, which met on November 28. During this meeting, the collegium unanimously endorsed Justice Manmohan's name, underscoring not just his qualifications but also the necessity for increased representation from the Delhi High Court amid vacancies.
The Supreme Court is currently operating with two judge vacancies, and Justice Manmohan’s appointment is expected to revitalize the bench. Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, who led the collegium, along with other members—including justices Bhushan R. Gavai, Surya Kant, Hrishikesh Roy, and Abhay S. Oka—considered various factors such as seniority, merit, and the urgent need to preserve adequate representation from the Delhi High Court, which has traditionally contributed several judges to the Supreme Court.
Historically, the Delhi High Court has had three to four judges serving on the Supreme Court at one time. Recently, following the retirement of justices S. Ravindra Bhat, Sanjay Kishan Kaul, and Hima Kohli, the representation dwindled, prompting the need for Justice Manmohan’s elevation to restore this balance.
Justice Manmohan's judicial career is noteworthy. Born on December 17, 1962, he has built an impressive legal foundation. After completing his education, including a BA (Hons) from Hindu College and obtaining his law degree from the Campus Law Centre at the University of Delhi, he began his legal practice focusing on civil, criminal, constitutional, and arbitration matters. His expertise did not go unnoticed, leading to his designation as a senior advocate by the Delhi High Court in 2003 for high-profile cases.
His elevation to the bench began when he was appointed as an additional judge of the Delhi High Court back in 2008, eventually becoming a permanent judge the following year. His rise through the ranks culminated with his appointment as Chief Justice of the High Court this past September. Justice Manmohan’s tenure has already been marked by significant rulings, demonstrating his commitment to justice and public welfare.
For example, he upheld the constitutionality of the Centre's Goods and Services Tax (GST) notification affecting ride-hailing platforms and mandated public health initiatives through rulings on statutory warnings for pan masala products. His thoughtful approach extended to public administration, where he sought to improve Delhi's hospital infrastructure and environmental sustainability.
Justice Manmohan has also shown courage in holding political entities accountable. His bench recently criticized the Delhi government for failing to provide adequate resources to municipal school students and made headlines for upholding judicial independence against political pressures.
Justice Manmohan's appointment is anticipated to inject new perspectives and uphold values of justice and integrity within the Supreme Court, particularly at this juncture when public confidence and effective governance are under scrutiny.
With his elevation, the Supreme Court not only fills its vacancies but also reinstates balanced representation from one of India’s key judicial hubs. This appointment is not just another judicial reshuffle; it reflects the underlying dynamics of India's legal framework and the continuous evolution of its judiciary.
