The Central government has officially confirmed the appointment of three Chief Justices from various High Courts as judges of the Supreme Court. This development facilitates their transition to the highest judicial forum in India. The appointed judges include Justice Sunita Agarwal, Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, and Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh.

Justice Sunita Agarwal serves as the Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court, Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya is the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, and Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh holds the position of Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court. These appointments follow a recommendation made by the Supreme Court Collegium on September 28, headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.

With these additions, the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court, which is currently set at 38 judges, is expected to be reinforced. Notably, Justice Agarwal’s appointment will mark her as the third woman judge presently serving in the Supreme Court.

Background and Previous Roles of the Appointees

Justice Sunita Agarwal, who began her judicial career at the Allahabad High Court in 2011 and became a permanent judge in 2013, took her oath as Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court in July 2023. Prior to joining the Bench, she practised primarily in civil law and was enrolled as an advocate in 1990.

Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya has been leading the Delhi High Court since January 2025. Before his current role, he served as Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court beginning in July 2023. He also became a permanent judge of the Allahabad High Court in August 2013 after his elevation in 2011. Justice Upadhyaya previously worked as Chief Standing Counsel for the State of Uttar Pradesh.

Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh has extensive experience in the judiciary, having served in the Jharkhand, Tripura, and Telangana High Courts. He was elevated as a judge of the Jharkhand High Court in January 2012 and confirmed as a permanent judge in January 2014. He assumed the role of Acting Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court before moving on to become Chief Justice of the Tripura High Court in April 2023. He took oath as Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court in July 2025.

Implications for the Supreme Court

The appointments of these judges are seen as a significant step towards enhancing the judicial capacity of the Supreme Court. Each judge brings a wealth of experience and expertise that could contribute to the court’s overall effectiveness. Given the structural demands of India’s judicial system, these new judges are likely to play crucial roles in addressing pending cases.

Justice Sunita Agarwal’s elevation adds a notable dimension to gender representation within the Supreme Court, emphasising progress towards a more diverse judiciary. The involvement of judges with extensive tenures and varied backgrounds may bring additional perspectives to the court.

Following the appointments, all three judges are expected to assume their new positions shortly, adding to the collective capabilities of a court that plays a pivotal role in India’s legal landscape. The Central government’s formal notification marks a vital procedural step in this significant transition for the judiciary.

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