Collegium clears 12 additional judges as permanent judges across four high courts

The Supreme Court Collegium has approved the appointment of 12 additional judges as permanent judges across four high courts, clearing proposals concerning Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Uttarakhand and Gauhati.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the collegium held on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. The body comprises Chief Justice Surya Kant along with Justices Vikram Nath and B.V. Nagarathna.

Andhra Pradesh High Court

Five additional judges were approved for permanent appointment to the Andhra Pradesh High Court. They are Justice Maheswara Rao Kuncheam (also written Kuncham), Justice Thoota Chandra Dhana Sekar (T.C.D. Sekhar), Justice Challa Gunaranjan, Justice Avadhanam Hari Haranadha Sarma and Dr. Justice Yadavalli Lakshmana Rao.

Kerala High Court

For the Kerala High Court, the collegium approved the appointment of Justices P. Krishna Kumar, K.V. Jayakumar, Muralee Krishna S, Jobin Sebastian and P.V. Balakrishnan as permanent judges.

Uttarakhand and Gauhati High Courts

In separate resolutions, the collegium approved the appointment of Justice Subhash Upadhyay as a permanent judge of the Uttarakhand High Court and Justice Kaushik Goswami as a permanent judge of the Gauhati High Court. Both are currently serving as additional judges.

The recommendations, once notified, will give the 12 judges permanent status in their respective high courts.