In a significant move, Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, Justice Alok Aradhe, and Chief Justice of the Patna High Court, Justice Vipul Pancholi, have been appointed as judges of the Supreme Court of India. This decision, while filling the apex court’s sanctioned strength, has stirred controversy within the Collegium.
Collegium Composition and Meeting
- CJI BR Gavai
- Justice Surya Kant
- Justice Vikram Nath
- Justice JK Maheshwari
- Justice BV Nagarathna
Who Is Justice Alok Aradhe?
Career and Background
- Current Post: Chief Justice of the 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?
Career Milestones
- Current Post: Chief Justice of the 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 currently has two vacancies
- Appointment of Justices Aradhe and Pancholi will restore full judicial strength
- Helps address case backlog and enhances judicial delivery capacity
Broader Impact
These appointments reflect the diversity of judicial experience, bringing administrative leadership and legal scholarship to the Supreme Court bench.
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams
- Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Vipul Pancholi appointed as judges of the Supreme Court of India.
- Controversy sparked within the Collegium over the appointment of Justice Pancholi.
- Appointments aim to restore the full sanctioned strength of 34 judges in the apex court.
- Both judges bring diverse experience and legal acumen to enhance judicial capacity.
