Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Vipul Pancholi Elevated to Supreme Court By President

In a significant development, the President of India has appointed Justice Alok Aradhe, Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, and Justice Vipul Pancholi, Chief Justice of the Patna High Court, as judges of the Supreme Court. While the appointment fills the apex court’s sanctioned strength of 34 judges, the elevation of Justice Pancholi has ignited controversy and internal dissent, particularly concerning issues of seniority, representation, and transparency within the collegium system.

These appointments, upon confirmation by the Centre, would restore the apex court’s full sanctioned strength of 34 judges.

Collegium Composition and Meeting

The recommendation was made during a meeting of the five-member Collegium, comprising,

1. CJI BR Gavai
2. Justice Surya Kant
3. Justice Vikram Nath
4. Justice JK Maheshwari
5. Justice BV Nagarathna

The Collegium’s decision was published on the Supreme Court’s official portal and forms part of its ongoing effort to strengthen judicial capacity at the highest level.

Who Is Justice Alok Aradhe?

Career and Background

• Current Post: Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court (since January 21, 2025)
• Parent High Court: Madhya Pradesh
• Appointed as Additional Judge: December 29, 2009
• Became Permanent Judge: February 15, 2011

Key Positions Held

• Acting Chief Justice, Jammu & Kashmir High Court (May 2018)
• Transferred to Karnataka High Court and served as Acting CJ in 2022
• Justice Aradhe is widely respected for his legal insight and administrative acumen across multiple High Courts.

Who Is Justice Vipul Manubhai Pancholi?

Career Milestones

• Current Post: Chief Justice of the Patna High Court (since July 24, 2025)
• Parent High Court: Gujarat
• Elevated as Additional Judge: October 1, 2014
• Became Permanent Judge: June 10, 2016

Notable Experience

Former Assistant Government Pleader and Additional Public Prosecutor in Gujarat

Served as visiting faculty at Sir L.A. Shah Law College, Ahmedabad, for 21 years

Future CJI

If appointed and seniority remains unchanged, Justice Pancholi is likely to become the Chief Justice of India on October 3, 2031, following the retirement of Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and will serve till May 27, 2033.

Significance of the Recommendation

Judicial Strength and Continuity

• The Supreme Court currently has two vacancies
• Appointment of Justices Aradhe and Pancholi will restore full judicial strength
• Helps address case backlog and enhances judicial delivery capacity

Broader Impact

These appointments also reflect the diversity of judicial experience, as both judges have served in multiple high courts and bring administrative leadership and legal scholarship to the Supreme Court bench.