The Indian judiciary witnessed a significant development as the Union Law Ministry approved the appointment of Justice Prasanna Bhalachandra Varale, the Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court, as a judge of the Supreme Court. This pivotal decision comes shortly after the Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, recommended his elevation. Justice Varale’s appointment fills the sole vacancy in the Supreme Court, which arose following the retirement of Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul in December.
The Government of India has officially sanctioned the elevation of Justice Prasanna Bhalachandra Varale, the esteemed Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court, to the Supreme Court. This significant appointment follows the recommendation of the Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, and fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul.
Justice Varale’s appointment is not just a routine elevation; it marks a historic moment in the Indian judiciary. He is currently the senior-most judge from the Scheduled Caste community across all High Courts in India, and notably, the only Chief Justice from this community. His journey to this prestigious position reflects a deep commitment to legal ethics and a diverse experience in various fields of law.
A Career Defined by Excellence and Diversity
Justice Varale’s legal career is a testament to his profound expertise and ethical standards. Before his elevation to the Bombay High Court in 2008, he practiced law for over 23 years, handling a wide array of cases in civil, criminal, labor, and administrative law. His tenure at the Bombay High Court, spanning 14 years, was marked by significant contributions, particularly in constitutional matters at the High Court Bench at Aurangabad.
In October 2022, Justice Varale was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court. During his tenure, he has been recognized for initiating suo-moto cases in the public interest and holding the Maharashtra and Karnataka governments accountable on several occasions. His leadership in the Karnataka High Court has been instrumental in addressing critical issues, often taking cognizance of news reports to challenge the administration and penalize erring officials.
A Personal Journey Inspired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Justice Varale’s personal journey is equally inspiring. Born into a family graced by the blessings of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, he attributes his success to the influence of the great scholar and political thinker. Reflecting on his roots during his farewell speech from the Bombay High Court, he emphasized the unlikely journey from a remote area to the legal profession, culminating in his current prestigious role.
A Collegium’s Confidence in Integrity and Competence
The Supreme Court Collegium’s decision to recommend Justice Varale was based on his unblemished record and integrity. The Collegium, comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, Surya Kant, and Aniruddha Bose, alongside CJI DY Chandrachud, highlighted his competence and the high standard of professional ethics he has maintained throughout his career. His judgments, covering a variety of legal issues, demonstrate his comprehensive understanding and approach to law.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in the Supreme Court
Justice Varale’s elevation to the Supreme Court is a significant step in reinforcing the diversity and integrity of India’s highest judicial forum. His distinguished career, marked by ethical jurisprudence and a commitment to social justice, sets a precedent for future appointments. As he takes his place in the Supreme Court, Justice Varale is poised to contribute his vast experience and wisdom to the apex court’s deliberations, further enriching the Indian judicial system.
