The Supreme Court Collegium on Friday 19 January has put forth a strong recommendation for the appointment of Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale as a judge of the Supreme Court of India. This recommendation, if approved by the Central government, would mark a historic moment, as Justice Varale would become the third sitting judge of the Supreme Court hailing from the Dalit community, joining the esteemed ranks of Justice BR Gavai and Justice CT Ravikumar.
Also read- Supreme Court Elevates 56 Lawyers To Senior Advocates, Including 11 Women (lawchakra.in)
Justice Varale holds the distinction of being the senior-most High Court Judge from the Scheduled Caste category and currently serves as the only Chief Justice among High Courts across the nation, also belonging to the Scheduled Caste.
His journey in the legal profession began when he enrolled as an advocate in August 1985. During his early years, he practiced under the mentorship of Advocate SN Loya. Additionally, he contributed to legal education as a lecturer at Ambedkar Law College in Aurangabad until 1992, demonstrating his commitment to both practice and academia.
On July 18, 2008, Justice Varale’s career took a significant turn as he was appointed as a judge of the esteemed Bombay High Court. His dedication and expertise did not go unnoticed, and he reached another milestone when he was elevated as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Karnataka on October 15, 2022.
Also read- Supreme Court Criticizes Madhya Pradesh Police For Protecting Goons Over Victims (lawchakra.in)
The Collegium’s resolution, which has been made public on the Supreme Court’s official website, lauds Justice Varale for his exceptional competence, unimpeachable conduct, and unwavering integrity. Throughout his career, he has maintained the highest standards of professional ethics, earning the trust and respect of his peers and the legal community at large.
The resolution highlights Justice Varale’s impressive legal journey, stating,
“Before his elevation as a Judge of the High Court, he practiced at the Bar for over 23 years in civil, criminal, labor, and administrative law matters in District and Sessions Court, and in Constitutional matters at the High Court Bench at Aurangabad. Mr. Justice Varale stands at Sl. No.6 in the combined all India seniority of High Court judges. In the seniority of Judges of the High Court of Bombay, he is the senior-most Judge.”
This recommendation not only underscores Justice Varale’s remarkable career but also reflects the commitment to diversity and inclusion within the Indian judiciary. If his appointment is confirmed, it will serve as an inspiring example of progress towards a more representative and inclusive legal system in the country.
This development is eagerly awaited, as it holds the potential to shape the course of justice in India, with Justice Prasanna B Varale potentially contributing his wealth of experience and expertise to the highest court in the land.
