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33m ago

SC Collegium Recommends Aradhe and Pancholi for Supreme Court in 4-1 Decision

Justice B. V. Nagarathna issued a detailed dissent questioning seniority, prior transfer circumstances and representation.

If appointed, Justice Pancholi will be in line to become the Chief Justice of India for a tenure of 16 months. (HT PHOTO)
Justice BV Nagarathna (PTI)
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Overview

  • Bombay High Court Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Patna High Court Chief Justice Vipul Manubhai Pancholi were recommended for elevation, according to a resolution posted on the Supreme Court website.
  • The top court is functioning with 32 judges against a sanctioned strength of 34, and the appointments would restore full strength if cleared by the Centre and notified by the President.
  • The five-member collegium led by CJI B. R. Gavai approved both names, with a 4-1 split on Pancholi after Justice Nagarathna objected to elevating him.
  • Nagarathna’s published dissent cites his 2023 transfer from Gujarat to Patna, all-India seniority rank, and the prospect of a third judge from Gujarat on the bench, warning of risks to collegium credibility.
  • Pancholi would be in the line to become CJI in October 2031 if appointed, and the collegium also proposed transfers of 14 high court judges as part of a wider reshuffle, with no woman included among the two nominees.