Bombay High Court.
Bombay High Court News – Six Judges Made Permanent Judge in Bombay High Court: In a significant judicial development, the Government of India has notified the appointment of six additional judges of the Bombay High Court as permanent judges. This decision follows a recommendation made by the Supreme Court Collegium on August 25, 2023.
The six judges who have been confirmed as permanent members of the esteemed bench are:
Justice Sanjay Anandrao Deshmukh
Justice Vrushali Vijay Joshi
Justice Abhay Jainarayanji Mantri
Justice Shyam Chhaganlal Chandak
Justice Neeraj Pradeep Dhote
Justice Somasekhar Sundaresan
Background of the Appointments
The newly confirmed permanent judges had previously served as additional judges before their elevation. Justice Sanjay Anandrao Deshmukh and Justice Vrushali Vijay Joshi were appointed as additional judges in October 2022, based on a recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium in September 2022.
Similarly, Justices Abhay Jainarayanji Mantri, Shyam Chhaganlal Chandak, and Neeraj Pradeep Dhote had been appointed as additional judges in October 2023. Justice Somasekhar Sundaresan, whose appointment as an additional judge had been initially recommended in 2022, was made a permanent judge in November 2023, following a reiteration of the Supreme Court Collegium’s recommendation.
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A Step Towards Judicial Stability
This appointment marks a significant milestone in the careers of these six judges and adds to the strength of the Bombay High Court, which is one of the busiest and most important High Courts in the country. The transition from an additional judge to a permanent judge reflects the confidence the Collegium and the Central Government have in their ability to deliver justice effectively and impartially.
The Bombay High Court, known for its crucial role in administering justice across Maharashtra, Goa, and the union territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, now benefits from the expanded judicial expertise of these newly permanent judges.
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A Long-Delayed Elevation
One notable aspect of the recent judicial appointments is the delay in the elevation of Justice Somasekhar Sundaresan. He had been recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium as early as 2022, but his formal appointment came only in November 2023, several months after a renewed recommendation from the Collegium.
This delay has prompted discussions about the pace at which judicial appointments are made in the higher judiciary, with legal experts suggesting that such delays may affect the smooth functioning of the courts.
The elevation of these six judges to permanent positions is expected to bring added stability and efficiency to the Bombay High Court, ensuring the expeditious handling of the growing volume of cases in the region. As the judiciary continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring justice, the contributions of these new permanent judges will be closely watched by legal professionals and citizens alike.
