With the appointment of five judges, the total strength of judges in the apex court has increased to , which is two less than its sanctioned strength. The Supreme Court Collegium had recommended the names of these five judges for elevation as judges of the apex court on December last year. Law Minister Kiren Rijiju on February 4 this year, Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court Pankaj Mithal, Chief Justice of Patna High Court Sanjay Karol, Chief Justice of Manipur High Court PV Sanjay Kumar, Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah of Patna High Court and Justice of Allahabad High Court Justice Manoj Mishra was announced to be appointed as a judge of the apex court.