In a significant development for the Indian judiciary, Justices Alok Aradhe and Vipul M. Pancholi were formally sworn in as judges of the Supreme Court of India on Thursday. The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud at a ceremony held in the Supreme Court premises. With their elevation, the strength of the apex court has now increased, reinforcing its ability to handle an ever-growing backlog of cases and ensuring wider representation within the judiciary.
Justice Alok Aradhe, who was serving as the Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court prior to his elevation, brings with him a rich legacy of judicial experience. Born in 1964, he began his legal practice in Madhya Pradesh and later served as a judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. He was subsequently transferred to the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, where he also performed duties as Acting Chief Justice. In 2021, he was appointed to the Karnataka High Court, where he served as Acting Chief Justice before taking over as Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court in July 2023. Justice Aradhe is widely regarded for his expertise in constitutional and service laws.
Justice Vipul M. Pancholi, born in 1966, has been a judge of the Gujarat High Court since 2014. Over the years, he has delivered several significant judgments in matters relating to criminal, civil, and constitutional law. Prior to his elevation to the bench, he practiced law extensively, particularly in civil and service matters. Known for his balanced approach and clarity in judicial reasoning, Justice Pancholi’s appointment is expected to further strengthen the Supreme Court’s bench in dealing with complex legal questions.
The elevation of Justices Aradhe and Pancholi is a welcome step towards bolstering the Supreme Court’s capacity. With the court consistently facing a heavy caseload, the presence of judges with diverse experience and judicial temperament is essential to maintaining efficiency and public confidence in the judicial system. Their appointments are expected to contribute significantly to the dispensation of justice at the highest level.