NEW DELHI, Nov 4: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Tuesday defended the Collegium’s decision to elevate Justices Sunita Agarwal and Aparesh Kumar Singh to the Supreme Court, attributing their selection to professional excellence, hard work and proven judicial capabilities.
Addressing a felicitation ceremony organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) in honour of the newly appointed judges, CJI Kant said the strength of the country’s highest judicial institution rests not only on its constitutional powers but also on the trust it commands among citizens.
He emphasised that public confidence in the judiciary depends on the quality of judicial pronouncements, transparency in proceedings and the fair treatment of litigants. Ensuring that every individual receives an impartial hearing, he said, remains a collective responsibility of all those associated with the justice delivery system.
The CJI noted that both newly elevated judges bring extensive experience from different judicial institutions across the country. Their exposure to diverse legal and administrative environments, he said, would contribute significantly to the Supreme Court’s functioning, given the national implications of its decisions.
He observed that judges are primarily recognised through their judgments rather than personal familiarity, adding that the quality of their judicial work provides an important basis for assessing their suitability for higher responsibilities.
Before their elevation, Justice Sunita Agarwal served as Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court, while Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh headed the Telangana High Court.
Recalling Justice Agarwal’s judicial contributions, CJI Kant described her as a capable administrator and referred to a significant 2016 judgment delivered by her as part of a division bench of the Allahabad High Court. The ruling had scrapped toll collection on the Delhi-Noida-Direct Flyway, a decision that was subsequently upheld by the Supreme Court, where Kant was also part of the proceedings.
He also highlighted Justice Singh’s experience in handling complex matters, particularly his role in deciding one of the oldest cases before the Telangana High Court while serving on a rare five-judge bench.
The CJI said judicial appointments to the Supreme Court involve a comprehensive assessment of several considerations, including merit, seniority, professional performance, regional representation and diversity.
He pointed out that the apex court is currently dealing with an enormous volume of litigation, placing considerable pressure on judges to ensure timely disposal of cases. Comparing the institution’s demanding workload to a T20 cricket match, he stressed the importance of selecting judges capable of contributing effectively as members of a collective judicial team.
Expressing confidence in the two new judges, Kant said their professional records and experience had been carefully considered by the Collegium. He hoped their future contributions would further demonstrate the soundness of the selection process.
Justice Sunita Agarwal, in her address, described her elevation as a tremendous honour accompanied by significant responsibility. She said she accepted the new assignment with humility and a firm commitment to serving the institution.
Reflecting on her professional journey, she described her rise from law college to the Supreme Court as the story of an ordinary girl from a small town who pursued her ambitions despite uncertainties and challenges.
She recalled encouraging women lawyers during her farewell address at the Allahabad High Court before assuming charge as Gujarat High Court Chief Justice. Her message was that women should not allow social expectations, difficult circumstances or discouragement from others to restrict their professional aspirations.
Justice Agarwal reiterated her belief that determination, patience and perseverance could help women overcome barriers and achieve their goals in the legal profession.
Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh, meanwhile, reflected on his long association with the Bar, having started practising as an advocate in 1990 and spent nearly 22 years in legal practice before becoming a judge.
He said his years as a practising lawyer had profoundly shaped his understanding of the law, the judicial process and the concerns of ordinary people approaching courts for relief.
Emphasising the human dimension of litigation, Justice Singh observed that a matter listed among hundreds of cases could represent the most significant issue in the life of an individual awaiting justice. Such proceedings may involve fundamental concerns relating to livelihood, property, personal liberty, dignity or the simple expectation of being heard.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and SCBA president Pradeep Rai also congratulated the newly elevated judges and assured them of their full cooperation in strengthening the administration of justice.