In a crucial development, the Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai, has recommended the elevation of Bombay HC Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Patna HC Chief Justice Vipul Pancholi to the apex court. The decision was made on August 25, 2025, to address the vacancies in the top court.
Collegium Composition and Meeting
The five-member Collegium, including CJI BR Gavai, Justice Surya Kant, Justice Vikram Nath, Justice JK Maheshwari, and Justice BV Nagarathna, made the recommendation. This move aims to strengthen the judicial capacity at the highest level.
Who Is Justice Alok Aradhe?
- Current Post: Chief Justice of Bombay High Court
- Parent High Court: Madhya Pradesh
- Appointed as Additional Judge: December 29, 2009
- Became Permanent Judge: February 15, 2011
Key Positions Held
- Acting Chief Justice, Jammu & Kashmir High Court (May 2018)
- Transferred to Karnataka High Court and served as Acting CJ in 2022
Who Is Justice Vipul Manubhai Pancholi?
- Current Post: Chief Justice of Patna High Court
- Parent High Court: Gujarat
- Elevated as Additional Judge: October 1, 2014
- Became Permanent Judge: June 10, 2016
Notable Experience
- Former Assistant Government Pleader and Additional Public Prosecutor in Gujarat
- Served as visiting faculty at Sir L.A. Shah Law College, Ahmedabad, for 21 years
Significance of the Recommendation
Judicial Strength and Continuity
- The Supreme Court has two vacancies currently
- Appointments of Justices Aradhe and Pancholi will restore full judicial strength
- Addressing case backlog and enhancing judicial delivery capacity
Broader Impact
These recommendations showcase diversity in judicial experience, with both judges bringing administrative leadership and legal scholarship from their service in multiple high courts to the Supreme Court bench.
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams
- Supreme Court Collegium recommends elevating Justices Aradhe and Pancholi to address vacancies in the apex court.
- Appointments aim to strengthen judicial capacity and address case backlog.
- Justices Aradhe and Pancholi bring diverse judicial experiences to the Supreme Court bench.
