Supreme Court Collegium Recommends Permanent Judges for Uttarakhand and Gauhati High Courts

Supreme Court Collegium Recommends Permanent Judges for Uttarakhand and Gauhati High Courts

The Supreme Court Collegium has moved to solidify the benches of two Indian High Courts, recommending the permanent appointment of Justice Kaushik Goswami for the Gauhati High Court and Justice Subhash Upadhyay for the Uttarakhand High Court.

Collegium's Stamp of Approval

In a meeting held on September 23, 2026, the Supreme Court Collegium formally approved the transition of both jurists from their roles as Additional Judges to permanent fixtures on their respective benches. The Collegium stated via resolution that the appointments were approved based on merit and judicial performance.

From the Bar to the Bench: Justice Kaushik Goswami

Justice Goswami’s journey to the permanent bench is marked by a distinguished career. After earning his Bachelor of Laws (L.L.B) from ILS, University of Pune, he enrolled with the Bar Council of Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh in 2000. His pre-elevation experience was extensive, including roles as Standing Counsel for the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council and the Gauhati High Court, and as an Additional Senior Government Advocate. Designated as a Senior Advocate in 2022, he was elevated as an Additional Judge of the Gauhati High Court in November 2023. The Collegium’s resolution read: “The Supreme Court Collegium...has approved the proposal for appointment of Shri Justice Kaushik Goswami, Additional Judge as Permanent Judge of the Gauhati High Court.”

A Service Law Specialist: Justice Subhash Upadhyay

Justice Upadhyay’s path to the Uttarakhand High Court is equally robust. A graduate of Lucknow University with degrees in Science, Law, and a Master’s in Social Work, he enrolled as an Advocate in 1998. He initially practiced at the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court before moving to the newly formed Uttarakhand High Court. His experience includes serving as a Brief Holder and later as Standing Counsel for the State of Uttarakhand. He was appointed as an Additional Judge in May 2025. The Collegium similarly confirmed his elevation, stating it had approved the proposal for his permanent appointment.

Impact on the Judiciary

These recommendations bring stability to the High Courts of Uttarakhand and Gauhati, ensuring a full complement of permanent judges to handle the pending caseloads. The appointments reinforce the Collegium's role in vetting and confirming judicial talent from the Bar, marking a critical step in the nation's judicial appointments process.