Politics · India Bureau
Supreme Court breaks tradition with afternoon oath ceremony for three judges
In a historic departure from established practice, three newly appointed judges of India's Supreme Court will be administered their oath of office in the afternoon, rather than the customary morning hour. The move marks the first instance of such a deviation in the court's administrative procedures.
LSN India ·
The three judges are scheduled to take their oath in the afternoon, signalling an unusual break from the Supreme Court's longstanding protocol. Traditionally, judges have been sworn in at 10:30 am, coinciding with the time the court assembles on working days to commence judicial hearings.
The reasons behind this procedural change remain unclear, though such modifications to established court practices typically occur due to administrative or scheduling exigencies. The afternoon timing represents a notable shift from a convention that has governed judicial appointments for decades.
The oath-taking ceremony is a formal constitutional requirement for all newly appointed judges before they assume their judicial responsibilities. While the timing has changed, the solemnity and legal significance of the oath administration remain unaltered.
This development comes as the Supreme Court continues to manage its expanding bench and administrative operations. The court regularly receives newly appointed judges as vacancies arise due to retirements and other circumstances.