(THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM) In a significant move aimed at strengthening the judiciary in Madhya Pradesh, the Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the names of ten individuals—five from the judicial services and five from the Bar—for elevation as judges of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. This decision follows intensive deliberations held by the Collegium on July 1 and 2, signaling a renewed focus on transparency and scrutiny in judicial appointments.

The lawyers recommended for elevation include Pushpendra Yadav, Anand Singh Bahrawat, Ajay Kumar Nirankari, Jai Kumar Pillai, and Himanshu Joshi. Their names reflect a diverse representation from the legal fraternity, bringing with them years of advocacy experience and legal acumen. From the judicial side, the officers proposed for elevation are Rajesh Kumar Gupta, Alok Awasthi, Ratnesh Chandra Singh Bisen, Bhagwati Prasad Sharma, and Pradeep Mittal, all of whom have long-standing careers in the state judiciary.

Currently, the Madhya Pradesh High Court is functioning with just 33 judges against a sanctioned strength of 53, resulting in a substantial backlog of cases and increased workload on the existing bench. The fresh recommendations are expected to ease this burden and enhance the court’s capacity to deliver timely justice.

What sets this round of recommendations apart is the Collegium’s revised approach to selection. According to reports, including one by legal news portal*Bar & Bench, the Collegium has tightened its procedures, introducing more rigorous vetting mechanisms and personal interactions. Notably, 54 candidates were interviewed over two days—an intensive process that reflects the Collegium’s commitment to merit, integrity, and efficiency in appointments.

The move is being widely seen as part of a broader institutional effort to bolster judicial infrastructure across states, address judicial vacancies, and restore public confidence in the justice delivery system. As the names now await final clearance from the executive, the Madhya Pradesh legal fraternity and judiciary look forward to the infusion of fresh energy and perspective on the bench.