Supreme Court of India Reopens today after Summer Break: Anticipated Developments and Key Cases

The Supreme Court of India is set to resume its sessions today, following a six-week-long summer break that commenced on May 22. As the top court gears up for action, several significant events and changes are expected:

1. New Judicial Appointments: Due to the retirement of three judges during the vacation and two judges just before it, the working strength of the court has reduced to 31, while the sanctioned strength is 34. Three more judges are set to reach superannuation this year, leading to five vacancies before the end of the year break. As a result, there is an expectation of multiple new judicial appointments, potentially adding up to five judges to the court.
2. Changes in Supreme Court Collegium: With the retirement of senior judges and members of the Supreme Court collegium, two new members have joined the body responsible for making judicial appointments. Interestingly, Justices BR Gavai and Surya Kant, along with Justice Sanjeev Khanna, are in line to become chief justices. The collegium will remain unchanged for the next six months until the retirement of Justice Kaul in December.
3. Roster Changes for Case Allocation: The Supreme Court has introduced a fresh roster for the allocation of new cases to 15 benches starting July 3. Different categories of cases will be assigned to specific benches based on subject-matter expertise. Notably, public interest litigation (PIL) petitions will now be heard only by the first three benches headed by Chief Justice Chandrachud and Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sanjiv Khanna, respectively. Other specialized benches will handle matters related to arbitration, taxation, labour law, service matters, ordinary civil matters, and criminal matters.
4. Constitution Bench Verdict on Marriage Equality Pleas: A constitution bench hearing petitions for recognition of marriage equality is expected to deliver its verdict soon. The bench, comprising Chief Justice of India Chandrachud and four other justices, began hearing the matter on April 18. Twenty petitions challenging provisions of marriage acts that do not recognize non-heterosexual marriages are before the bench.
5. Range of Issues to be Heard by Constitution Benches: A new constitution bench, headed by Chief Justice Chandrachud, will hear four cases starting July 12. The bench will address issues like whether rules can be changed after a selection process begins and whether an ineligible person can appoint an arbitrator. Additionally, Chief Justice Chandrachud intends to form a seven-judge bench to examine constitutional issues regarding money bills.

As the court reconvenes, these pivotal events are anticipated to shape the legal landscape and have a profound impact on various issues of national importance.