Justice P S Narasimha is set to become a member of the Supreme Court Collegium following the retirement of Justice J K Maheshwari, who demitted office on Sunday after serving for nearly five years. The development, reported by PTI on 28 June 2026, marks a significant change in the composition of the collegium, the body responsible for appointments and transfers of judges in the higher judiciary.
Justice Maheshwari's Tenure and Retirement
Justice J K Maheshwari retired on 28 June 2026, concluding a tenure that began with his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2021. During his nearly five-year term, he was part of several landmark benches. His retirement creates a vacancy in the collegium, which typically comprises the five senior-most judges of the Supreme Court. Justice Narasimha, who is next in seniority, will now fill that position.
Implications for the Collegium
The inclusion of Justice Narasimha is expected to maintain the collegium's functioning without disruption. As per established norms, the senior-most judge after the Chief Justice of India becomes a member. Justice Narasimha's elevation to the collegium comes at a time when the judiciary faces a significant backlog of cases and ongoing debates over judicial appointments. According to legal experts, his experience in constitutional and commercial law will be valuable in selecting candidates for higher courts.
Background of Justice Narasimha
Justice P S Narasimha was elevated to the Supreme Court in 2021 and has authored several notable judgments. Before his elevation, he served as a judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court and later as Acting Chief Justice. He is known for his expertise in arbitration and corporate law. His entry into the collegium is seen as a continuation of the tradition of seniority-based appointments.
Reactions and Future Outlook
While no official statement has been issued by the Supreme Court, sources indicate that the collegium will now proceed with pending recommendations for judicial appointments. The retirement of Justice Maheshwari and the induction of Justice Narasimha are part of the regular cycle of changes in the apex court's administrative body. The collegium system has faced criticism for lack of transparency, but it remains the mechanism for judicial appointments in India.
