In a significant move to strengthen the judiciary, the Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and comprising justices Sanjiv Khanna and BR Gavai, has endorsed the appointment of nine distinguished advocates as judges of the Bombay High Court. The recommended advocates include:
– Rajesh Sudhakar Datar
– Sachin Shivajirao Deshmukh
– Gautam Ashwin Ankhad
– Mahendra Madhavrao Nerilkar
– Nivedita Prakash Mehta
– Prafulla Surendra Kumar Khubalkar
– Ashwin Damodar Bhobe
– Rohit Wasudeo Joshi
– Advait Mahendra Sethna
These appointments were prompted by the recommendations of the Bombay High Court Collegium, which forwarded two separate resolutions on January 19 and April 19. The recommendations were made after careful consultations led by the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, alongside two senior-most judges, aiming to address the needs for judicial enhancement.
The selection process involved thorough assessments by the Supreme Court Collegium, which meticulously reviewed qualifications, career histories, and other pertinent details provided by the Department of Justice. The comprehensive review confirmed that all nine candidates possess the requisite qualifications and judicial temperament suitable for the high responsibilities of the High Court.
According to the official notifications dated September 24, 2024, the Collegium has resolved to recommend the aforementioned candidates for elevation, ensuring their inter se seniority is maintained as per the established practices of the judiciary.
