Supreme Court Collegium Recommends Three Judicial Officers for Elevation to Andhra Pradesh High Court Bench
(By Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
5, May,2026-The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the elevation of three distinguished judicial officers from the subordinate judiciary to the Bench of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, marking another significant step in strengthening the constitutional framework of justice delivery in the state. Following are the names of the officers.
- Smt. Sunitha Gandham,
- (ii) Shri Alapati Giridhar, and
- (iii) Shri Purushottam Kumar Chintalapudi @ Ch. Purushottama Kumar.
In a decision reflective of the constitutional wisdom enshrined in Article 217, the Collegium comprising the Chief Justice of India and senior-most judges of the Supreme Court has recognized the merit, integrity, and judicial insight demonstrated by these officers through their years of service in the subordinate courts.
The recommendation underscores the principle that elevation to higher judicial office must be founded upon demonstrated competence and a firm commitment to constitutional values.
Their elevation, once formalized through constitutional processes involving the Union Law Ministry and the President of India, will augment the strength of the Andhra Pradesh High Court at a time when judicial vacancies continue to impede the timely administration of justice.
This recommendation reaffirms the Collegium’s constitutional mandate to ensure that those entrusted with the solemn responsibility of interpreting law possess not merely legal erudition, but also the nature and wisdom essential to dispense justice with fairness and impartiality.
The proposed elevation serves as recognition that justice, in its truest form, is built upon the foundation of experience gained in the trial courts where the law meets the lived realities of citizens.
