President Vladimir Putins former university classmate has been nominated as the sole candidate to headRussias Supreme Court after the recent death of its longtime chairman, the legal news outlet Rapsireported Monday.Deputy Chief Justice of Russias Supreme Court Irina Podnosova and Putin studied law at Leningrad State University, from which they both graduated in 1975, though it was not immediately clear if they knew each other at the time.The courts qualification board unanimously recommended Podnosova for the post of Chief Justice,the highest-ranking officer of Russias federal judicial system, according to Rapsi.Podnosova is expected to assume her role after Putin submits her candidacy to the upper-house Federation Council for a vote.Vyacheslav Lebedev, who had headed Russias Supreme Court since 1991,diedin late February at the age of 80.The business daily Kommersant, citing legal experts,reportedlast monththat Podnosovasnomination was quite expected, adding that work on findingLebedevs successor had begun several years ago.Podnosova, who also heads the Supreme Courts judicial chamber on economic disputes, has served as Deputy Chief Justice since July 2020.The Kremlindescribed her candidacy as evidence that there is no gender inequality in Russia.Kyiv sanctioned Podnosova last month on accusations ofsupporting Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine.