Four women judges at a time in SC: highest so far

New Delhi: The recent oath-taking ceremony for the elevation of senior judges to the Supreme Court has been unique for two reasons. It is the first time in the history of the SC that nine judges were sworn in at one go, besides having four women judges at a time with the apex court which is the highest so far.

The four women judges were Justice Indira Banerjee, Justice B V Nagarathna, Justice Hima Kohli and Justice Bela M Trivedi- the last three were sworn in on Tuesday. The previous high was three women judges when Justice R Bhanumathi, Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice Indu Malhotra held office from August 2018 to May 2020.

The latest elevation of judges is significant as the Supreme Court will have its first women Chief Justice in Justice Nagarathna, daughter of former CJI ES Venkataramiah. She is in line for the post of CJI (Chief Justice of India) in September 2027.

Following the Covid-19 protocols, the swearing-in ceremony was held in the auditorium of the SC's additional building complex, unlike the tradition of keeping it in the CJI's courtroom.

After the fresh elevations, the SC now has 33 judges, including CJI against the sanctioned 34. The new judges swore in were Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka, Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Jitendra Kumar Maheshwari, Justice Hima Kohli, Justice B V Nagarathna, Justice C T Ravikumar, Justice M M Sundresh, Justice Bela M Trivedi and Justice P S Narasimha.

CJI NV Ramana was seen taking pictures with his colleagues on occasion.