Picture Courtesy : Live Law
Senior advocate Indu Malhotra was administered the oath of office as a Supreme Court judge by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, making her the first woman lawyer to enter the top judiciary directly.
With Malhotra joining the bench, the strength of the Supreme Court is now 25, against the sanctioned strength of 31, including the CJI. Malhotra was administered the oath of office and secrecy in a ceremony held at court number 1 in the apex court.
Earlier, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra said that he won’t stay the appointment of senior advocate Indu Malhotra as a Supreme Court judge.
CNNNews18 reported that Misra said it is “unthinkable, unimaginable and inconceivable to stay warrant of appointment of Indu Malhotra”. Misra also said that there is nothing wrong if the government wants them to reconsider Justice Joseph’s name.
The CJI-led bench took strong note of submission of senior advocate Indira Jaising that Malhotra is not sworn in as the apex court judge and the Centre be directed to recommend the name of Uttarakhand High Court Chief Justice K M Joseph as well. “What kind of prayer is this,” the bench, also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, said, adding that the Centre is “well within its right to send back the recommendation for reconsideration. Supposing the government is sending it for reconsideration, it will be seen. You are saying ‘stay the warrant.’ It is unthinkable, unconscionable, unimaginable and if I may add ‘never heard before’,” the CJI said.
