Supreme Court Welcomes Justices Alok Aradhe and Vipul Pancholi, Strength Back to 34

The Supreme Court welcomed Justices Alok Aradhe and Vipul Pancholi this morning, restoring its sanctioned strength to 34 judges.

The Collegium, headed by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai alongside Justices Surya Kant and B.V. Nagarathna, among others, recommended their elevation, with the Centre clearing their appointments on August 27.

Justice Nagarathna dissented over Justice Pancholi’s nomination, noting his 57th rank in high court seniority and warning of damage to the Collegium’s credibility.

Justice Aradhe, formerly Bombay High Court Chief Justice, has served in Madhya Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka and Telangana.

Justice Pancholi rose from the Gujarat High Court to lead the Patna High Court and has disposed of over 35,000 cases.