The Supreme Court Collegium, under the leadership of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and BR Gavai, has taken a significant step in recommending the appointment of Advocate Pranav Shailesh Trivedi as a Judge of the Gujarat High Court. This recommendation comes after a detailed and thorough evaluation process, reflecting the rigorous standards and careful consideration that the Collegium adheres to in judicial appointments.
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The journey of this recommendation began with the Gujarat High Court Collegium’s unanimous decision on September 26, 2022, to propose Advocate Trivedi for elevation. This decision was subsequently endorsed by the Chief Minister and the Governor of the State of Gujarat, indicating a broad consensus on his suitability for the role.
However, the process encountered a momentary pause when the Supreme Court Collegium initially decided to return the proposal to the Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court on March 2, 2023. This action was not a rejection but a call for reconsideration at a more appropriate stage, reflecting the Collegium’s commitment to ensuring the utmost suitability of candidates for judicial positions.
The turning point in this process came with the intervention of the Union Department of Justice (DoJ). The DoJ, upon reviewing Advocate Trivedi’s file, provided a positive reference that prompted the Supreme Court Collegium to revisit their earlier decision. In a resolution, the Collegium stated,
“The Department of Justice has referred back the file for positive consideration of the above proposal. We have reconsidered our earlier recommendation dated 2 March 2023 in light of the reasons recorded by the Department of Justice in the file. We made further enquiries to come to a definite conclusion as to his suitability.”
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This reconsideration was not a mere formality but involved a comprehensive review of Advocate Trivedi’s professional credentials and achievements. The Collegium’s resolution, made available on the apex court’s official website, provides a detailed account of Trivedi’s legal career. Enrolled with the State Bar Council in 2000, he has amassed over two decades of legal practice at the Gujarat High Court. His expertise spans a wide range of legal areas, including taxation, civil, criminal, constitutional, labor, company, and service cases, with a noted specialization in taxation and criminal law.
The Collegium’s assessment of Advocate Trivedi’s qualifications went beyond his legal practice areas. They also considered his age and income, ensuring that he met all the necessary criteria for the position. A testament to his legal prowess, Trivedi has appeared in cases resulting in 68 reported judgments in matters he argued, underscoring his significant contributions to the legal field.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court Collegium, after a comprehensive review and positive endorsement from the Department of Justice, affirmed their decision, stating,
“We are of the considered view that Pranav Shailesh Trivedi is fit and suitable for being elevated as a Judge of the Gujarat High Court.”
This decision not only marks a milestone in Advocate Trivedi’s career but also exemplifies the meticulous and judicious approach of the Collegium in upholding the standards of the Indian judiciary.
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