The Supreme Court Collegium has put forward the names of three distinguished advocates for elevation as judges to the Gujarat High Court. The recommendation, made by the Collegium on August 13, 2024, includes the following advocates:
1. Shri Sanjeev Jayendra Thaker
2. Shri Deeptendra Narayan Ray @ D N Ray
3. Shri Maulik Jitendra Shelat
This recommendation follows the proposal made by the Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court on December 22, 2023, after consultation with the two senior-most judges of the High Court. Despite the lack of feedback from the Gujarat State Government, the Department of Justice proceeded with the recommendation under the guidelines provided in the Memorandum of Procedure.
Evaluation and Merit Considerations
The Supreme Court Collegium thoroughly evaluated the professional credentials and personal integrity of the three advocates, consulting with colleagues well-versed in the affairs of the Gujarat High Court. Each candidate was assessed on their professional record, personal image, and the opinions of other judges and the Department of Justice.
– Shri Sanjeev Jayendra Thaker has over 31 years of experience at the Bar, primarily practicing in Ahmedabad’s City Civil & Sessions Court and other district courts. He has received favorable opinions from three of the four consulted judges, with no adverse findings on his integrity.
– Shri Deeptendra Narayan Ray @ D N Ray is a regular practitioner before the Supreme Court and was recently designated as a Senior Advocate. He is noted for his extensive practice and a substantial number of reported judgments, underlining his professional competence.
– Shri Maulik Jitendra Shelat has garnered positive feedback from three consulted judges, with one judge abstaining from giving an opinion due to a lack of personal observation of his work. The Department of Justice also highlighted his good professional and personal reputation.
The Collegium concluded that all three advocates are fit and suitable for appointment as judges of the Gujarat High Court, recommending their appointment and suggesting that their seniority be determined according to the existing practice. The formal recommendation was signed by Chief Justice Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, and Justices Sanjiv Khanna and B R Gavai.
