The Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, has recommended the appointment of three judicial officers as judges of the Karnataka High Court. The approval for the appointment of Rajeshwari Narayana Hegde, Kedambadi Ganesh Shanthi, and Mahadevappa Brungesh was granted during a meeting held on April 14, 2026. The Collegium, comprising senior judges of the apex court, plays a crucial role in suggesting appointments and transfers in the higher judiciary.
According to the memorandum of procedure governing the appointment of High Court judges, the proposal for appointment should be initiated by the Chief Justice. If the Chief Minister wishes to propose a name, it must be sent to the Chief Justice for consideration. Subsequently, the Governor, upon the Chief Minister’s advice, forwards the recommendation and necessary documents to the Union Minister of Law & Justice within six weeks of receiving the proposal from the Chief Justice of the High Court.
The Centre reviews the proposal along with other relevant information before sending it to the Chief Justice of India. The CJI then consults the two most senior judges of the Supreme Court before finalizing a recommendation. Following these consultations, the CJI will send the recommendation to the Union Minister of Law & Justice within four weeks. Once the President signs the warrant of appointment, the Secretary of the Department of Justice informs the Chief Justice, and the appointment is officially announced and notified in the Gazette of India.
