SC Collegium Recommends Justice Manjusha Ajay Deshpande as Permanent Judge of Bombay High Court

The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended that Justice Manjusha Ajay Deshpande be appointed as a permanent judge of the Bombay High Court. The decision marks an important step in her judicial journey after serving on the High Court bench as an additional judge.

The recommendation was approved in a meeting of the Collegium held on April 14, 2026. In its official statement, the Collegium said, “The Supreme Court Collegium in its meeting held on 14th April, 2026 has approved the proposal for appointment of Smt. Justice Manjusha Ajay Deshpande, Additional Judge as Permanent Judge of the High Court of Bombay.”

Justice Deshpande was first appointed as an additional judge of the Bombay High Court in 2023. Since then, she has continued to serve on the bench and has remained part of the court during an important period for judicial functioning in one of the country’s busiest High Courts.

Her tenure as an additional judge was extended for one year in August 2025. That extension allowed her to continue in office while the process regarding her permanent appointment moved forward through the constitutional system for elevation and confirmation of High Court judges.

The Collegium’s recommendation now clears an important institutional stage. However, the appointment process will be complete only after the Central government issues the formal notification confirming her as a permanent judge of the Bombay High Court.

Appointments of permanent judges to High Courts carry significance beyond individual elevation. They help bring greater continuity and stability to the bench, especially in courts that regularly deal with a heavy volume of constitutional, civil, criminal, and commercial matters.

The Bombay High Court remains one of the most important constitutional courts in India. Any addition to its permanent judicial strength is closely watched, as such decisions can have a direct impact on the court’s long-term functioning and case management.

Justice Deshpande’s recommendation reflects the Collegium’s approval of her continuation on the High Court as a permanent judge. The move now awaits the next formal step from the Union government, which is required to issue the appointment notification.

With this recommendation, the process has entered its final stage. Once notified, Justice Manjusha Ajay Deshpande will formally take her place as a permanent judge of the Bombay High Court, adding to the court’s institutional strength on a lasting basis.