New Delhi, May 23 -- Chief Justice of India Bhushan R Gavai is set to convene his inaugural collegium meeting next week, with a view to addressing three vacancies in the Supreme Court and effecting crucial appointments in several high courts. According to people familiar with the matter, the meeting of the five-member collegium is scheduled to be held on May 26, during which the country's senior-most judges will deliberate over a list of 100 high court judges to identify three suitable candidates for elevation to the apex court.

At present, the Supreme Court is short of two judges. With justice Abhay S Oka set to retire on May 24, the strength will dip further just ahead of the anticipated collegium deliberation. The collegium on May 26 ...