Ex-BJP spokesperson Aarti Sathe was sworn in as Bombay High Court judge today. Opposition questions Supreme Court collegium, alleging political favouritism in her judicial appointment.
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MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court on Tuesday witnessed the swearing-in of three new judges, including Advocate Aarti Arun Sathe, a former BJP spokesperson whose elevation to the bench has sparked political debate.
Alongside Sathe, Advocates Ajit Kadethankar and Sushil Ghodeswar also took oath as additional judges. The ceremony was administered by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe.
ALSO READ: Ajit Kadethankar, Sushil Ghodeswar & Aarti Sathe: 3 New Judges Sworn In Today As Add. Judges Of The Bombay High Court
A Controversial Appointment
The appointment of Aarti Sathe has been in the spotlight due to her past association with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She served as a state spokesperson for the party between February 2023 and January 2024, before resigning from her position. Opposition leaders in Maharashtra had raised concerns over her nomination by the Supreme Court collegium, arguing that her political ties could compromise judicial impartiality.
However, the BJP defended the appointment, highlighting that Sathe had formally severed her ties with the party before the recommendation and has had a long and credible legal career.
Legal Career:
Aarti Sathe has over two decades of legal experience on the bench. Her practice has largely centered on tax disputes, and she has built a strong reputation in the legal fraternity for her expertise in this field. Following her oath-taking, she presided over a division bench headed by Justice A.S. Gadkari.
With the addition of Sathe, Kadethankar, and Ghodeswar, the Bombay High Court’s strength has increased from 66 to 69 judges. This includes 50 permanent judges and 19 additional judges. The sanctioned strength of the court stands at 94 judges, meaning several vacancies remain.
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