Justice Manmohan Takes Oath as Supreme Court Judge: A Step Forward for Delhi HC
Justice Manmohan brings fresh representation to the Supreme Court from Delhi High Court
PR Spot 
Justice Manmohan was sworn in as a Supreme Court Judge on Thursday, elevating the total court strength to 34 sanctioned judges. The oath was administered by Sanjiv Khanna, Chief Justice of India (CJI).
Justice Manmohan as Supreme Court Judge
Justice Manmohan has served as the Delhi High Court’s Chief Justice. In 2023, after the elevation of Justice Satish Chandra Sharma to the Supreme Court Justice Manmohan took the place as chief justice of the Delhi High Court and took oath as full time Chief Justice. His appointment fills a critical gap in the Supreme Court bench, improving the representation of the High Court to greater prominence.
Appointment After Presidential Warrant
The official announcement was made on December 3 following President Draupadi Murmu signed the warrant of appointment. The Supreme Court collegium on November 28 recommended his elevation noting his seniority and the need for better representation of the Delhi High Court in the Supreme Court.
Justice Manmohan’s Seniority and Regional Representation
The collegium, consisting of the CJI and justices Bhushan R Gavai, Surya Kant, Hrishikesh Roy, and Abhay S Oka, acknowledged this factor while recommending his name. The resolution highlighted his seniority, noting that “Justice Manmohan stands at Sl. No. 2 [serial number two] in the combined all-India seniority of high court judges and he is the senior-most judge in the high court of Delhi."
Career Highlights and Background of Justice Manmohan
Justice Manmohan was born on December 17, 1962, in Delhi, and came from a distinguished family with his father, the late Jagmohan, who was a renowned bureaucrat and politician. He attended Delhi's Modern School and graduated from Hindu College, University of Delhi, earning a BA (Hons) in History.
He then went on to study law at the University of Delhi’s Campus Law Centre, starting his legal career in 1987, specializing in civil, criminal, constitutional, and arbitration matters. In 2003 he was designated as a senior advocate and later appointed to Delhi High Court during 2008.
Justice Manmohan handled various high-profile cases during his distinguished career, including the Hyderabad Nizam’s Jewellery Trust matter. In 2008, he was elevated to Delhi High Court as additional judge later acting as the permanent judge.
A Key Step for Judicial Diversity
Justice Manmohan’ appointment further enhances the Supreme Court strength in regional diversity, which is crucial for its credibility and balance. Also, his elevation emphasizes both his legal expertise and reinforces the significance of regional representation in the India’s top judiciary.
