The President has approved the conferment of Padma Vibhushan award to former Chief Justice of India JS Khehar. Justice Khehar served as the 44th Chief Justice of India from 4 January 2017 to 27 August 2017. Justice Khehar was a Judge of the Supreme Court from September 2011 to August 2017.  He was part of several landmark verdicts such as NJAC, right to privacy, triple talaq(dissenting), Nabam Rebia (restoring Congress Government in Arunahcal Pradesh).

Senior Advocate CS Vaidyanathan has been conferred with the Padma Shri award.

Both of them were selected for the Padma awards under the "Public Affairs" category.

Padma Awards - one of the highest civilian Awards of the country- are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The Awards are given in various disciplines/fields of activities, viz.- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc.

Padma Vibhushan' is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; 'Padma Bhushan' for distinguished service of high order and 'Padma Shri' for distinguished service in any field.

The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year.