The Supreme Court of India consists of a Chief Justice and other judges, the number of which may be fixed by the Parliament from time to time. At present the total number of Judges besides the Chief Justice cannot be more than 25.

The Chief Justice and other judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President. But he does not have a free hand in this matter. He must consult the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court before appointing any judge to it. Similarly, while appointing the Chief Justice, he should consult the Judges of the Supreme Court and the Justice of the High Courts whom he may think fit.

Qualifications of the Judges: To become a judge or Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, a person should possess the following qualifications:

(1) He should be a citizen of India.

(2) He should have worked as a judge in any of the High Courts, not less than five years or, he should have been an advocate of a High Court of at least 10 years standing or, He should have distinguished himself as a jurist, or He should be an author of renowned books on law.

Term of office: The Chief Justice and other judges of the Supreme Court are appointed to work till they attain 65 years of age. Although they are appointed by the President, their services cannot be terminated by him. They can resign from their post of their own accord whenever they like. Death can be another cause of the end of their se. vice before the age of retirement.