In a significant addition to the judiciary, Tejas Karia, a former Disputes Resolution Partner at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, was sworn in as a judge of the Delhi High Court on Friday. The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, marking a notable ascent in Karia’s legal career.
With this latest appointment, the strength of the Delhi High Court has been augmented to 39 judges. Karia, an alumnus of the London School of Economics, where he completed his LLM, and ILS Law College, Pune, where he did his LLB, has been a prominent figure in the legal landscape.
His elevation was first recommended by the High Court Collegium on October 25, 2023, and subsequently by the Supreme Court Collegium on August 29, 2024. The appointment received the green light from the Central government on February 12, cementing his role in the higher echelons of the judiciary.
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According to the Supreme Court Collegium resolution, Karia brings specialized expertise, particularly in the field of arbitration, to the bench. This specialization is crucial given the increasing volume of arbitration cases that demand meticulous attention in the courts, particularly in a significant legal hub like the Delhi High Court.
Although Karia’s prior appearances in the High Court were limited, his significant contributions in arbitral tribunals have been recognized as compensating for his fewer direct engagements with the High Court, demonstrating his suitability and preparedness for this prestigious position.