New Delhi, January 4 (MExN): In a historic first, a woman from Nagaland is poised to preside over proceedings in the High Court, following the Supreme Court Collegium's recommendation on January 4.
Yarenjungla Longkumer, a Judicial Officer, along with Shamima Jahan, an Advocate, was recommended for appointment as Judges of the Gauhati High Court by the SC Collegium, which comprises Chief Justice of India Y Chandrachud and Justices Sanjiv Khanna and BR Gavai.
According to the Collegium resolution, the recommendation for their appointment was first made by the HC Collegium on May 29, 2023.
Later on October 17, the SC Collegium evaluated the material placed on record, seeking views from the Chief Justice of the Gauhati HC and its Collegium on their suitability, based on inputs provided by the Government.
The Chief Justice of the Gauhati HC, through letters dated October 19 and November 7, forwarded the minutes of its Collegium regarding their suitability.
SC Judges familiar with the affairs of the Gauhati HC were also consulted to ascertain their fitness and suitability.
Thereafter, the SC Collegium found them suitable for appointment as Judges of the Gauhati High Court and recommended that Jahan and Longkumer be appointed as Judges of the Gauhati High Court.
"Their inter se seniority be fixed in terms of the existing practice," the resolution added.
As per available records, Longkumer has served as the District and Sessions Judge in Peren and Kohima, as well as held the position of Secretary (Judicial) in the Law & Justice Department, among others.
If the Government accepts and notify their appointment, Longkumer would be the first woman HC judge from Nagaland.
