Centre Notifies Appointment of Justices Alok Aradhe and Vipul Pancholi as Supreme Court Judges

The Centre has officially notified the elevation of Justice Alok Aradhe, Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, and Justice Vipul Pancholi, Chief Justice of the Patna High Court, as Supreme Court judges.

The notification came two days after the Collegium’s recommendation. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal confirmed the appointments on X.

Reports indicate Justice BV Nagarathna dissented against Justice Pancholi’s elevation, citing seniority concerns and his transfer history.

Despite the controversy, Pancholi is set to become Chief Justice of India between October 2031 and May 2033. With these appointments, the Supreme Court regains its full strength of 34 judges.