Keywords – Justice CS Sudha, Kerala High Court, Permanent Judge, Recommendation, Supreme Court Collegium, Central Government, Official Notification
New Delhi, September 2, 2023 – In a significant development, the Central government has officially notified the appointment of Justice CS Sudha as a permanent judge of the Kerala High Court. This announcement underscores the culmination of an extensive evaluation process and recommendations from the highest echelons of the Indian judiciary.
The Union Law Ministry’s Department of Justice published a notification affirming Justice CS Sudha’s appointment, bringing an end to her tenure as an additional judge.
The journey towards her permanent appointment began with the Supreme Court Collegium, comprising Dr. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, the Chief Justice of India, along with Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Sanjiv Khanna. On August 17, 2023, this esteemed body passed a resolution recommending Justice C.S. Sudha, then serving as an Additional Judge, for elevation as a Permanent Judge of the Kerala High Court.
Prior to making this recommendation, the Collegium engaged in consultations with judges of the Supreme Court who possessed deep insights into the functioning of the Kerala High Court. This comprehensive assessment served as a crucial step in the decision-making process.
Justice C.S. Sudha commenced her judicial career in 1995 and was sworn in as an Additional Judge of the Kerala High Court on August 10, 2021. Her dedication and contribution to the judiciary have been duly recognized by the Kerala High Court Collegium, which unanimously recommended her as a permanent judge on June 21, 2023.
The Chief Minister and the Governor of Kerala both concurred with this recommendation, leading to its subsequent submission to the Supreme Court Collegium. A committee of two judges from the Supreme Court, appointed by the Chief Justice of India, meticulously assessed Justice C.S. Sudha’s judgments and overall performance, ensuring a rigorous and impartial evaluation.
Finally, the apex court Collegium approved her permanent appointment, cementing her role as a vital member of the Kerala High Court’s judiciary.
As of August 1, 2023, the Kerala High Court is currently operating with 34 judges, a number that falls short of its sanctioned strength of 47 judges. Justice CS Sudha’s appointment as a permanent judge will contribute to strengthening the court’s capacity to dispense justice efficiently and effectively.
Written by- Shuniti Sinha, College name – Brainware University , Semester- 7th, an intern under Legal Vidhiya
