Chief Justice Surya Kant Welcomes Bhutanese Clerks and Defends Appointments

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant led two distinct judicial initiatives in New Delhi on July 13, 2026. He first welcomed two legal professionals from Bhutan to the Supreme Court of India for a three-month term. This exchange follows a memorandum of understanding between the Supreme Court of India and the Supreme Court of Bhutan aimed at strengthening institutional ties and judicial cooperation.

Later that day, Surya Kant addressed a felicitation ceremony at the Constitution Club of India, organized by the All India Senior Advocates Association. The event honored retired judge Pankaj Mithal and newly elevated judges Sheel Nagu, Shree Chandrashekhar, Sanjeev Sachdeva, Arun Palli, and V Mohana. During his address, the Chief Justice emphasized that a partnership between the Bench and the Bar is essential for delivering accessible, affordable, and expeditious justice.

Surya Kant also defended the appointment process of the Supreme Court Collegium, citing its commitment to merit, integrity, and regional diversity. Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP P. Wilson used the occasion to call for institutional reforms, specifically proposing that the retirement age for High Court judges be raised to 65 and for Supreme Court judges to 70 to improve court efficiency.