SC publishes data on collegium recommendation; provides caste, gender break-up
The disclosures show that only 34 of the 406 were women, eight were from Scheduled Castes (SC), seven from Scheduled Tribes (ST), and 32 from OBC while14 were related to judges
The Supreme Court has made public detailed information on high court judicial appointments cleared by its collegium between November 9, 2022, and May 5, 2025.

The data, published on the apex court’s website, just days before Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna’s retirement on May 14, includes names, caste categories, gender, minority status, and familial links to serving or retired judges.
Of the 406 candidates recommended during this period, the government approved 221 appointments.
The remaining candidates remain either pending or were rejected.
The disclosures show that only 34 of the 406 were women, eight were from Scheduled Castes (SC), seven from Scheduled Tribes (ST), and 32 from Other Backward Classes (OBC) while14 were related to judges.
From November 2022 to November 2024, the collegium recommended 170 names, with 17 still awaiting government approval.
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During CJI Khanna’s tenure from November 2024 to now, 51 names were recommended and decision on 12 of those remain pending.
During this period, there was more social representation, including 11 OBCs, two STs, one SC, eight minorities, six women, and two with judicial lineage.
The court also released the process behind these appointments, including the roles played by high court collegiums, state governments, and the Union government. A version of the Memorandum of Procedure has been uploaded for public reference.
ABOUT THE AUTHORAyesha ArvindAyesha Arvind is a Senior Assistant Editor specialising in legal and judicial reportage. She covers High Courts and tribunals across southern India, and believes that important legal developments do not only come from New Delhi. Her work focuses on bringing significant decisions and developments from the region to a wider audience and explaining what they mean beyond the courtroom. She tries to make legal material accessible by translating legal jargon into clear, readable prose and putting pleas, lawsuits, judgments and legal developments in context. She also looks at their political realities and practical consequences for people. Ayesha is committed to the standards of integrity journalism requires. She places a premium on accuracy and fairness, and believes that journalism's powerful voice must be tempered by humility and a sense of proportion. Over almost two decades in journalism, she has covered law and order, civil law, crime and other areas of legal affairs. Her work includes breaking news, legal affairs stories, online analysis and commentary. Ayesha is deeply interested in the law, court judgments and the Constitution because they shape everyday life. She believes every citizen should have a basic understanding of them. What she enjoys most about covering courts is that every story brings something new to learn.Read More

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