SC Collegium Divided on Acting Chief Justice's Power to Appoint HC Judges - 2026 Case

SC Collegium Elevates 4 Judges as Chief Justices: Justice V. Kameswar Rao to Patna HC

The Supreme Court Collegium, led by CJI Surya Kant, has recommended the elevation of four High Court judges as Chief Justices of different high courts and the transfer of two judges. This highlights the Collegium's role in judicial appointments and transfers, a key topic for UPSC Polity and Governance.

SC Collegium Elevation Threatens Maratha Quota Case; 10% SEBC Reservation at Risk

The Supreme Court Collegium’s recommendation to transfer Bombay HC Acting Chief Justice Ravindra V Ghuge to Calcutta HC may force a fresh hearing of the challenge to Maharashtra’s 2024 Maratha reservation law after 20 sittings. This is the second time a bench change has stalled the politically sensitive case, putting the 10% SEBC quota for the Maratha community in legal limbo.

SC Judge Sandeep Mehta Seeks Transfer of Rajasthan HC Acting CJ, Alleges CJI Ignored Clear Evidence of Favouritism

Supreme Court Judge Justice Sandeep Mehta has written three letters to the CJI in August 2026, seeking immediate transfer of Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, citing clear evidence of favouritism, maladministration, and retributive actions against judges. This rare internal judiciary conflict raises critical questions about judicial independence, collegium functioning, and accountability mechanisms within the higher judiciary.

Punjab Refuses Consent for HC Chief Justice Appointment; MoP Breach Raises Judicial Appointment Process Concerns

Punjab's refusal to consent to Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra's appointment as Chief Justice of Punjab & Haryana HC exposes a loophole in the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) for judicial appointments. The episode underscores the need for defined timelines for state responses in judicial appointments, a key issue for UPSC Polity and Governance.

SC Collegium Opacity: 30% Judges with Familial Links, Demand for Transparency in Appointments

The article argues that the collegium system for judicial appointments lacks transparency, citing nepotism (30% SC judges with familial links) and the recent withdrawal of reasoned resolutions. It calls for reforms like publishing vacancies, criteria, and reasoned recommendations, while preserving confidentiality on integrity.

Rajya Sabha Passes Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill 2026, Raising Judge Strength to 38

The Rajya Sabha has cleared the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, raising the apex court's sanctioned strength from 34 to 38 judges, including the Chief Justice of India. The Bill replaces a May ordinance, but Opposition MPs questioned the ordinance route and highlighted the persistent diversity deficit in judicial appointments. This is a high-yield Polity topic for Prelims and Mains, with concrete data on SC/ST/OBC/minority/women representation and judiciary infrastructure.

SC Sends Notice to Centre on Plea to Deny Perks to Judges Who Resign to Avoid Removal

The Supreme Court has sought the Centre's response to a petition arguing that constitutional functionaries (including judges) who resign to avoid a transparent removal process should be denied retirement perks. This issue gains traction after Allahabad HC Judge Justice Yashwant Varma resigned amid a cash scandal and removal proceedings.

Supreme Court Collegium to Fill 4 Vacancies; Gender and CJI Succession Criteria Examined

The Supreme Court Collegium, after completing appointments of regular Chief Justices to all 25 High Courts, now focuses on filling 4 vacancies in the Supreme Court. The selection will consider gender representation (only 3 women HC Chief Justices) and potential CJI succession. Aspirants must note the current strength (34 judges) and upcoming retirements of Justice Satish Chandra Sharma (Nov 29, 2026) and CJI Surya Kant (Feb 9, 2027).