New delhi, February 09: Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court Chandramauli Kumar Prasad on Monday was sworn-in judge of the Supreme Court at a brief ceremony held in the court of Chief Justice of India, K.G. Balakrishnan, who administered the oath of office.
Judges of the court, senior advocates, law officers and others were present. With his appointment, the total strength of the judges in the court has gone up to 27, against the sanctioned strength of 31.
In November last, the Supreme Court collegium, headed by the Chief Justice, recommended the elevation of the then Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, Swatanter Kumar, and Justice Prasad. Justice Kumar’s elevation was approved and he was sworn in judge of the Supreme Court on December 18, 2009.
However, the government returned the file on Justice Prasad following a note put up by the President asking whether seniority was overlooked in the recommendation. Clarifications were also sought on allegations of corruption against him. The collegium examined the allegations and found them to be baseless and reiterated its recommendation and President Pratibha Patil approved his appointment.
—-Agencies