A watershed moment occurred in the Bombay High Court as five new justices took oath as additional judges to the Bombay High Court on Friday. Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyay administered oath to the following judges:
- Prafulla Nivedita Prakash
- Mehta Khubalkar Surendra Kumar
- Damodar Bhobe Ashwin
- Joshi Rohit Wasudeo
- Mahendra Sethna Advait
These are crucial appointments, as the Bombay High Court has been functioning with a sanctioned strength of 94 judges but only a functioning strength of 64 judges. It has increased to 69 judges with the latest appointments, which would enhance the capability of the court to clear long-standing arrears.
APPOINTMENT PROCESS
Appointments have been made through the established procedure of the Indian judicial system. Their appointments received sanction from the Central Government on October 23, 2023, following a recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium on September 24. The Collegium consists of the Chief Justice of India and four senior judges who have the mandate to advise on appointments and transfers in the higher judiciary.
It was on January 19, 2024, that the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court initiated this recommendation while stressing the urgency of filling up vacancies to promptly administer justice. The exercise underscores collaboration between the judiciary and the executive to run an efficient legal system.
IMPLICATIONS OF NEW APPOINTMENTS
Implications of new appointments:
The swearing-in of these judges is going to have several implications for the Bombay High Court and its functioning.
More Heads on the Bench Mean Increased Efficiency: With a higher number of judges in place, the number of cases to be dealt with will increase significantly, resulting in lesser delay times for the judicial process
.
Diverse perspectives: New judges can bring other perspectives and experiences to the bench of law, which contributes to new legal interpretations and judgments.
Public Confidence Strengthening: Therefore, the judiciary has shown promptness in filling vacancies which indicates upholding of justice and strengthening public confidence in the legal system.
CONCLUSION
The latest additions to the Bombay High Court complement such efforts by bringing more judges in; welcome enough, as these will enhance judicial efficiency and access, so much wanted in Maharashtra. Once they swear in and start work, they will take on the mantle of change in one of India’s most important high courts for the delivery of justice. The collaborative appointment process also reflects a robust framework intended to ensure that justice is not only done but is seen to be done.
