14-07-2023 : Both Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice S Venkatanarayana Bhatti received their official oaths of office from Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud, confirming their appointment as Supreme Court judges. The two new judges took their oaths during the swearing-in ceremony in front of other judges and legal luminaries in the auditorium of the supreme court.
With the addition of Justices Bhuyan and Bhatti, the strength of judges in the Supreme Court has increased to 32, out of the sanctioned strength of 34, including the CJI. This development bolsters the functioning and capacity of the apex court in handling the diverse range of cases brought before it.
The central government had recently given its clearance for the elevation of Justice Bhuyan, who previously served as the Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court, and Justice Bhatti, who held the same position in Kerala. This approval came on July 12, following which Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal announced their elevation. The recommendation for their appointment was made by the apex court collegium, headed by the CJI, on July 5.
Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, born on August 2, 1964, began his judicial career as a judge of the Gauhati High Court on October 17, 2011. He held the distinction of being the senior-most judge in his parent High Court, Gauhati. Prior to his elevation as Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court on June 28, 2022, Justice Bhuyan amassed significant experience in various areas of law. His expertise and domain knowledge in the field of taxation law are particularly noteworthy. He has also served as a judge in the Bombay High Court, where he dealt with a wide range of cases, including taxation. The collegium resolution, uploaded on the apex court’s website, highlighted Justice Bhuyan’s reputation for integrity, competence, and his extensive contributions to the field of law and justice.
Justice S Venkatanarayana Bhatti, born on May 6, 1962, was appointed as a judge of the High Court of Andhra Pradesh on April 12, 2013, and held the position of senior-most judge in his parent high court. Notably, the High Court of Andhra Pradesh has not been represented in the Supreme Court since August 2022. Justice Bhatti was later transferred to the High Court of Kerala in March 2019, where he served as the Chief Justice from June 1, 2023. Throughout his judicial career, Justice Bhatti has gained extensive experience in various branches of law. His judgments in diverse areas of law are a testament to his legal acumen and competence. In addition to providing representation to the state of Andhra Pradesh, Justice Bhatti’s appointment brings added value in terms of his knowledge and experience. He is recognized for his impeccable reputation, integrity, and competence.
The appointment of these two esteemed judges to the Supreme Court reinforces the judiciary’s strength and ability to handle the growing number of cases.