Justice Indira Mukherjee, Justice Vineet Saran, Justice KM Joseph Take Oath as Supreme Court Judges, Seniority Row Erupts as Kapil Sibal Calls it 'Black Day'

New Delhi, August 7: Justice Indira Banerjee, Justice Vineet Saran and Justice K.M. Joseph was sworn in as Supreme Court judges today. Chief Justice Dipak Misra administered them the oath of office. The swearing-in took place in the middle of the controversy over the government relegating Justice Joseph to the third position in the order of seniority even though he was recommended for elevation way back on January 10.

Reportedly, judges including members of the collegium comprising Justices M B Lokur, Kurian Joseph and A K Sikri met Chief Justice Dipak Misra to raise their concerns on the seniority issue concerning Justice K M Joseph. Commenting on the latest row, Kapil Sibal as quoted in an ANI report said, "The government has given the message that if a judge doesn't make a judgement in their favour, he may be treated the same. I believe that this day will be seen as a 'black day' in the history of Indian judiciary. This is the arrogance of the government."

Reportedly, it is for the first time that the Supreme Court has three sitting woman judges -- Justice R. Banumathi, Justice Indu Malhotra and Justice Indira Banerjee. Madras HC Chief Justice Indira Banerjee Appointed as Supreme Court Judge

According to a Times Now report, Justice Joseph is currently the longest-serving chief justice of any high court in India, with his tenure in the Supreme Court expected to go on till June 16, 2023. On the other hand, Justice Banerjee will serve as an SC judge until September 9, 2022, and Justice Saran till May 10, 2022

(With inputs from IANS)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 07, 2018 11:40 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).