In a remarkably swift process, the Union Government has notified the appointment of Justice Alok Aradhe, Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi, Chief Justice of the Patna High Court, as judges of the Supreme Court of India. The appointments were cleared and formally announced by the Ministry of Law and Justice within 48 hours of the recommendation being made by the Supreme Court Collegium, a development that stands out for its expediency.
Background of the Appointments:
The Supreme Court Collegium, headed by the Chief Justice of India and comprising four other senior-most judges, had met to consider names for the vacancies in the apex court. The Supreme Court has a sanctioned strength of 34 judges, and the appointments were made to fill the existing vacancies and bring the court closer to its full strength.
In a resolution published on its website, the Collegium formally recommended the elevation of Justice Aradhe and Justice Pancholi, citing their merit, integrity, and seniority, as well as the need for representation from their parent High Courts.
The Decision and Notification:
Acting with unprecedented speed, the Union Government processed the recommendation from the Collegium. Within 48 hours, the Ministry of Law and Justice issued the official notification confirming that the President of India, in the exercise of the powers conferred by clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution of India, was pleased to appoint Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi as Judges of the Supreme Court of India, with effect from the date they assume charge of their respective offices.
The swiftness of these appointments marks a significant departure from the timelines often observed in the judicial appointment process, which has previously been a subject of extensive debate between the judiciary and the executive. The new judges are expected to be sworn in shortly, which will increase the working strength of the Supreme Court.
