Justice Prasanna B Varale Appointed Supreme Court Judge

Justice Prasanna B Varale, currently serving as the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, will now become the third sitting judge from the Dalit community in the Supreme Court. His appointment adds to the diversity of the apex court, joining the ranks of Justice BR Gavai and Justice CT Ravikumar.

Noteworthy Achievement

One of the notable aspects of Justice Varale’s appointment is that he is the senior-most High Court Judge belonging to a Scheduled Caste. Furthermore, he holds the distinction of being the only Chief Justice belonging to a Scheduled Caste among the Chief Justices of High Courts across the country.

Professional Journey

Justice Varale’s legal career began when he enrolled as an advocate in August 1985, practicing under advocate SN Loya during his formative years. Additionally, he served as a lecturer at Ambedkar Law College in Aurangabad until 1992. His judicial journey commenced with his appointment as a judge of the Bombay High Court on July 18, 2008.

Elevation to Chief Justice

Recognizing his legal acumen and dedication, Justice Varale was elevated to the position of Chief Justice of the High Court of Karnataka on October 15, 2022. This promotion reflects the trust and confidence placed in him by the legal fraternity.

Collegium’s Evaluation

According to the Collegium resolution published on the Supreme Court’s website, Justice Varale is lauded as a competent judge with unimpeachable conduct and integrity. Throughout his career, he has consistently maintained a high standard of professional ethics. The resolution highlights his extensive experience, encompassing civil, criminal, labour, and administrative law matters at both the District and Sessions Court and the High Court Bench at Aurangabad.

Seniority and Recognition

The resolution further notes that before his elevation to the High Court, Justice Varale practiced at the Bar for over 23 years. He handled a diverse range of cases, including constitutional matters. In terms of seniority, he holds a prominent position, standing at Sl. No.6 in the combined all India seniority of High Court judges. Within the High Court of Bombay, he is recognized as the senior-most Judge.