New Delhi, Nov 28 (UNI) In a significant development, the Supreme Court Collegium on Thursday recommended the elevation of Delhi High Court Chief Justice Manmohan as the judge of the Supreme Court of India.
The announcement marks another milestone in Justice Manmohan’s illustrious legal career.
While the official notification confirming the Collegium’s recommendation is yet to be issued, the move underscores the ongoing process of strengthening the judiciary with seasoned and experienced judges.
Justice Manmohan was born in Delhi on December 17, 1962, to the late Jagmohan, a renowned bureaucrat-turned-politician who served as the Governor of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir and the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.
He has an impressive academic and professional trajectory.
After completing his schooling at Modern School, Barakhamba Road, he pursued a B.A. (Hons.) in History from Hindu College, University of Delhi, and earned his LL.B. from Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi, in 1987.
Enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi the same year, he built a formidable legal practice across multiple domains, including civil, criminal, constitutional, taxation, arbitration, trademark, and service law.
Justice Manmohan was designated as a Senior Advocate by the Delhi High Court in January 2003, a recognition of his expertise and contributions to the legal field.
Notable cases in his private practice include high-profile matters like the Dabhol Power Company case, Hyderabad Nizam’s Jewellery Trust, and disputes involving prominent corporate entities like Gujarat Ambuja Cement and the Modi family.
His judicial career began with his appointment as an Additional Judge of the Delhi High Court on March 13, 2008.
He was confirmed as a Permanent Judge on December 17, 2009. Over the years, Justice Manmohan has gained recognition for his balanced approach to adjudication and commitment to justice.
Justice Manmohan’s leadership capabilities came to the fore when he was appointed Acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court on November 9, 2023.
His tenure as Chief Justice, which commenced on September 29, 2024, has been marked by judicial reforms and efficient handling of complex cases.
Known for his active participation in extra-judicial activities, Justice Manmohan has contributed to numerous national and international seminars and conferences. This reflects his dedication to the development of jurisprudence and legal education.
The recommendation of Justice Manmohan’s elevation comes at a critical juncture when the Supreme Court is addressing a wide array of significant constitutional and socio-legal issues.
His extensive experience in diverse legal domains and his tenure as a judge in one of India’s busiest high courts make him a valuable addition to the apex court.
This move also highlights the Collegium’s focus on merit-based appointments, ensuring that judges with substantial expertise and a proven track record are elevated to the Supreme Court.
Justice Manmohan’s elevation is expected to contribute to enhancing the quality and depth of judicial deliberations in the apex court.
As the official notification is awaited, this recommendation stands as a testament to Justice Manmohan’s distinguished service to the judiciary and his unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law.