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7h ago

Supreme Court Collegium Backs Aradhe and Pancholi for Elevation After Rare Dissent

The recommendations now require the Centre’s clearance before any appointments take effect.

The SC collegium reportedly recommended transferring 14 high court judges.
Justice Nagarathna's note of dissent referenced Pancholi's earlier transfer from the Gujarat high court to the Patna high court.
If appointed, Justice Pancholi will be in line to become the Chief Justice of India for a tenure of 16 months. (HT PHOTO)
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Overview

  • Chief Justices Alok Aradhe (Bombay HC) and Vipul M. Pancholi (Patna HC) were recommended on Aug. 25 to fill two vacancies on the Supreme Court bench.
  • Justice B.V. Nagarathna filed a written dissent opposing Pancholi’s elevation, citing his all‑India seniority, the circumstances of his 2023 transfer from Gujarat to Patna, and regional balance concerns.
  • The decision on Pancholi was effectively 4–1, with the rest of the five‑member collegium—CJI B.R. Gavai and Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath and J.K. Maheshwari—supporting the pick.
  • If cleared, the court would return to its full sanctioned strength of 34 judges, and reporting indicates Pancholi would be in line to serve as CJI from October 2031 to May 2033.
  • Alongside the two elevations, the collegium also proposed transfers of 14 High Court judges, even as civil society group CJAR criticized the handling of Pancholi’s case and the transparency of the process.