The Centre has notified the appointment of Justice PB Bajanthri as the new Chief Justice of Patna High Court. The Supreme Court Collegium had recommended his name for the position earlier on September 11, 2025.
Senior Advocate Indira Jaising raised serious concerns over the non-appointment of women judges to the Supreme Court of India. She questioned why the President of the SCBA has not protested, highlighting that 28 male judges were appointed since 2021.
Former Supreme Court judge Abhay Oka said Justice BV Nagarathna’s dissent over Justice Vipul Pancholi’s elevation must be disclosed. He stressed transparency in Collegium decisions while balancing lawyers’ privacy.
Senior Advocate Indira Jaisingh criticised the Supreme Court Collegium, pointing out that since 2021, after Justices Hima Kohli, B.V. Nagarathna, and Bela Trivedi were appointed, not a single woman has been recommended, asking, “Does wisdom lie only with men?”
Centre has decided to move ahead with the elevation of Justice Vipul Pancholi, despite Justice BV Nagarathna’s strong opposition. Sources said the government will proceed with the appointment, making clear that her dissent will not stall the process.
The Supreme Court Collegium’s move to elevate Patna HC Chief Justice Vipul Pancholi saw dissent from Justice B.V. Nagarathna. She flagged concerns over seniority and regional representation in appointments.
