Coimbatore Advocate V. Mohana Creates History: First Woman from Tamil Nadu Elevated Directly from Bar to Supreme Court

Coimbatore: In a historic milestone for Tamil Nadu and the Indian judiciary, senior advocate Venkita Subramanian Mohana from Coimbatore has been appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of India, becoming the first woman from Tamil Nadu to be elevated directly from the Bar to the country’s highest court.

The Central Government on Monday cleared the appointment of V. Mohana along with four serving High Court Chief Justices as judges of the Supreme Court, taking the effective strength of the Apex Court to 37 against a sanctioned strength of 38.

Mohana’s elevation is particularly significant as direct appointments from the Bar to the Supreme Court are exceptionally rare. She becomes only the second woman in Indian history to be directly elevated from the Bar to the Supreme Court, following Justice Indu Malhotra’s appointment in 2018.

Her appointment also restores representation from the Bar in the Supreme Court, an important aspect of maintaining professional diversity within the higher judiciary. Upon assuming office, she will join Justice B.V. Nagarathna as one of only two serving women judges on the Supreme Court Bench.

The Supreme Court Collegium had recommended her name during its meetings held on May 22 and May 27, 2026. The recommendation was subsequently approved by the Union Government.

The appointment has been widely hailed as a proud moment for Tamil Nadu’s legal community. Congratulating Justice-designate Mohana, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay described her elevation as a historic achievement and an inspiration for women pursuing excellence in education, law, and public service. He noted that her appointment reflects the growing presence of women in leadership roles and extended his best wishes as she prepares to assume office as a judge of the Supreme Court of India.

Mohana’s elevation marks a significant chapter in the history of the Indian judiciary, breaking barriers and setting a new benchmark for aspiring women lawyers across the country.