Today, the Central government approved the elevation of two additional judges from the Gauhati High Court to the position of permanent judges.

The newly appointed permanent judges are Justice Susmita Phukan Khaund and Justice Mitali Thakuria.

Following the recommendation of the Supreme Court collegium on May 18, which proposed the elevation of the two additional judges to permanent positions, the process outlined in the Memorandum of Procedure was followed. This involved consulting judges of the Supreme Court who are familiar with the workings of the Gauhati High Court to evaluate the suitability of the candidates.

Additionally, a two-judge committee thoroughly reviewed the judgments delivered by the two High Court judges, assessing them as well-reasoned, with thorough analysis of the facts and supported by relevant case laws. Subsequently, after careful examination of the available information, including the input from consultee judges and the committee's evaluation, the Collegium determined that the candidates were indeed suitable and qualified for appointment as permanent judges.

As of June 1, the Gauhati High Court is operating with 24 judges, which falls short of its sanctioned strength of 30 judges, leaving a vacancy of 6 positions.