Overview

• The collegium led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai approved two resolutions naming 14 advocates for elevation to the Bombay High Court bench.
• Nominees include figures with government and central-agency work, such as Chief Public Prosecutor Hiten Venegavkar and Deputy Solicitor General Nandesh Deshpande, alongside lawyers who have represented the ED and CBI.
• Earlier the same day, Aarti Arun Sathe, Ajit Bhagwanrao Kadethankar and Sushil Manohar Ghodeswar were sworn in as additional judges.
• Following those oaths, the court is functioning with 69 judges—50 permanent and 19 additional—against a sanctioned strength of 94, with reports projecting about 80 if the 14 are appointed.
• The high court is contending with more than 6.6 lakh pending cases across its benches, highlighting the urgency of restoring its working strength.