The Union of India has notified the appointment of Advocates N. Senthilkumar and G. Arul Murugan as Additional Judges of the Madras High Court.
A notification issued on Friday said that the Additional Judges have been appointed for a period of two years.
The notification issued by the Centre said that in exercise of the power conferred by clause (1) of Article 224 of the Constitution of India, the President was pleased to appoint N. Senthilkumar and G. Arul Murugan to be Additional Judges of the Madras High Court for a period of two years, in that order of seniority, with effect from the date they assume charge of their respective offices.
The Madras High Court Collegium had recommended the elevation of these two judges on August 3, 2022. The Supreme Court Collegium had passed a resolution on July 18, saying that the state government as well as the Governor had agreed to their elevation.
As per the resolution of the Supreme Court Collegium, Senthilkumar belonged to a Scheduled Caste. His appointment as a judge of the High Court would enhance the representation on the Bench to marginalised communities. It said having regard to the above factors, the Collegium was of the considered opinion that Senthilkumar was suitable for elevation to the Madras High Court.
Regarding Murugan’s elevation, the resolution said that the lawyer had practiced at the Madras High Court for over 24 years.
It said the candidate belonged to the OBC category, adding that his appointment as a judge would facilitate greater representation to the OBCs in appointment to the higher judiciary.