GUWAHATI: The Supreme Court of India, in response to the vacancy created by the elevation of Justice Sandeep Mehta to the Supreme Court, has recommended the appointment of Justice Vijay Bishnoi as the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court.
The recommendation is in accordance with the Memorandum of Procedure, which emphasises fair representation from various High Courts in the selection of Chief Justices. The consideration for this appointment is primarily based on seniority, with inter-se seniority of puisne Judges determined within their own High Court.
Justice Bishnoi, currently serving as a senior puisne Judge in the Rajasthan High Court, was appointed to the position on January 8, 2013. Prior to his judicial career, he practiced law at the Rajasthan High Court and the Central Administrative Tribunal in Jodhpur, specialising in civil, criminal, Constitutional, service, and election cases. During his nearly eleven years as a High Court Judge, he has authored 652 reported judgments, demonstrating extensive experience in dispensing justice.
The Collegium, while recommending Justice Bishnoi, took into consideration the underrepresentation of the Rajasthan High Court among the Chief Justices of High Courts. His professional ethics, conduct, and integrity were highlighted as commendable.
Considering all relevant factors, the Collegium unanimously views Justice Bishnoi as fit and suitable in all respects for the role of Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court. The formal resolution to recommend his appointment was made by the Collegium, including Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, and Justice B R Gavai.