In a move that underscores the evolving dynamics of India’s judiciary and its commitment to strengthening the bench, the Supreme Court Collegium has taken a pivotal step towards enhancing the judicial strength of the Uttarakhand High Court. The Collegium, a distinguished panel comprising Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, and Justice Sanjiv Khanna, has put forth the names of two eminent advocates, Adv. Siddhartha Sah and Adv. Alok Mahra, for their potential elevation as Judges of the Uttarakhand High Court.
This recommendation didn’t emerge in isolation. It was a culmination of a series of consultations and evaluations. The Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court, after extensive deliberations with his two senior-most colleagues, felt it prudent to propose the elevation of these two advocates to the High Court. This proposal was dated July 12, 2023. The Collegium’s subsequent statement shed light on the meticulous process that led to this decision.
They emphasized that they had taken into account the perspectives of both the Chief Minister and the Governor of Uttarakhand. After thorough consideration, they arrived at the conclusion that the candidates were unequivocally “fit and suitable for appointment” as Judges of the High Court. To further validate their decision, the Collegium mentioned,
“In order to ascertain the fitness and suitability of the above candidates for elevation to the High Court, we have consulted our colleague conversant with the affairs of the High Court of Uttarakhand.”
A deeper examination of the credentials of the recommended advocates provides insights into their caliber:
- Adv. Siddhartha Sah – Sah is not just another name in the legal fraternity. He stands out for his wide-ranging and substantial legal work. He has carved a niche for himself with a robust practice at the Bar and has earned respect and a reputable standing among his peers. An intriguing aspect of his recommendation was a vague reference to a certain “observation” made by the government. However, the Collegium, in its wisdom, clarified its stance on this matter. They stated that such an observation
“should not come in the way of the recommendation,”
especially when the overarching sentiment was that
“nothing adverse has come to notice against his integrity.”
- Adv. Alok Mahra – Mahra’s credentials are equally impressive. The Union Department of Justice has vouched for his impeccable personal and professional image. They have underscored that there’s absolutely nothing that casts a shadow over his integrity. His vast legal practice is evident not just from his impressive professional income but also from the sheer volume of cases he has been a part of. An “observation” was made concerning his “professional competence.” However, the Collegium was categorical in its response, asserting that the onus of evaluating such competencies squarely falls upon the judiciary.
As the corridors of the Uttarakhand High Court reverberate with anticipation, the legal community and the general public keenly await the final decision on this significant judicial appointment.