The Supreme Court Collegium today recommended the elevation of Andhra Pradesh High Court Chief Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra as a judge of the supreme court.
According to the resolution by the Collegium led by Chief Justice of India CJI DY Chandrachud, the decision was made after careful evaluation of the merit, integrity, & ability of eligible Chief Justices, senior puisne Judges of the High Courts, as well as accommodating advantages of considerations.
On October 13, 2021, Justice Mishra was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.
He is the former Acting Chief Justice of Chhattisgarh High Court who served as Judge of the Chhattisgarh High Court.
In that background, the resolution highlighted that there was no representation of the Chhattisgarh High Court in the Supreme Court’s present composition.
The resolution added that “Besides according to representation to the State of Chhattisgarh, the appointment of Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra will provide a value addition in terms of his acquired knowledge and experience. Justice Mishra is a judge with integrity.”
The Collegium also addressed the fact that Chief Justice Pritinker Diwaker of the Allahabad High Court was drawn from Chhattisgarh High Court and ranked senior to Justice Mishra.
Considering all relevant factors, it was of the view that Justice Mishra is worthy of elevation to the Supreme Court.
The apex court has sanctioned a strength of 34 judges and is presently functioning with 32.
Further, 4 more vacancies are going to arise by the 2nd week of July and the working strength of judges will come to 28.
