The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the elevation of Justice Sonia G Gokani as Chief Justice of Gujarat HC, immediately after the elevation of existing Chief Justice Aravind Kumar, who has been recommended for Supreme Court.
The Collegium has resolved that Ms Justice Sonia G Gokani be appointed as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Gujarat immediately on the elevation of Mr Justice Aravind Kumar as a Judge of the Supreme Court. The recommendation should be processed on priority since she is due to retire on 25 February 2023.
The Collegium statement reads as under:
By its resolution dated 31 January 2023, the Collegium has recommended the elevation of Shri Justice Aravind Kumar, Chief Justice of the High Court of Gujarat, as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India. A vacancy shall occur in the office of the Chief Justice of the High Court of Gujarat which needs to be filled up.
Ms Justice Sonia G Gokani is the senior most Judge of the High Court of Gujarat. She was appointed on 17 February 2011 and is due to demit office on 25 February 2023. Ms Justice Gokani is drawn from the judicial service of the State of Gujarat.
Besides being the senior most Judge, the appointment of Ms Justice Gokani as Chief Justice will bring a sense of inclusion and facilitate a representation for Judges drawn from the services in the office of Chief Justice.
In terms of the Memorandum of Procedure, consultation has been held with the consultee-Judge/s with a view to ascertain the suitability of Ms Justice Sonia G Gokani for appointment as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Gujarat. The consultee-Judge/s have concurred with the proposal for the appointment of Ms Justice Gokani as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Gujarat.
Having regard to all relevant factors, the Collegium is of the considered view that Ms Justice Sonia G Gokani has good credentials and is fit and suitable in all respects for being appointed as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Gujarat.
The Collegium, therefore, resolves that Ms Justice Sonia G Gokani be appointed as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Gujarat immediately on the elevation of Mr Justice Aravind Kumar as a Judge of the Supreme Court. The recommendation should be processed on priority since she is due to retire on 25 February 2023.
