On 25-01-2024, Justice Prasanna Bhalchandra Varale, formerly 32nd Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court, was sworn in as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India. He was administered the oath of office by Dr Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, the Chief Justice of India.
The Ministry of Law and Justice had notified the appointment of Justice Prasanna B. Varale as a Judge of the Supreme Court, via Notification dated 24-01-2024.
Owing to the retirement of Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul in December, 2023, the judicial strength of the Supreme Court had dropped from 34 to 33. With Justice Varale induction, the Supreme Court will once again function on its full strength of 34 Judges.
The Supreme Court Collegium comprising of Dr Justice DY Chandrachud, the Chief Justice of India, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justice BR Gavai, Justice Surya Kant and Justice Aniruddha Bose, on 19-1-2023, had unanimously resolved to recommend the name of Justice Varale to be appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India. After due deliberations, the Collegium found Justice Prasanna Bhalachandra Varale to be a deserving and suitable candidate in all respects for being appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India. The Collegium observed that Justice Varale is a competent Judge with unimpeachable conduct and integrity and has throughout maintained high standard of professional ethics.
While recommending his name, the Collegium also considered the fact that among the High Court Judges, Justice Varale is senior-most Judge belonging to a Scheduled Caste and the only Chief Justice belonging to a Scheduled Caste among the Chief Justices of High Courts across the country.
With Justice Varale’s induction, he also becomes the third Supreme Court Judge belonging to a Scheduled Caste.
Also Read- Know Thy Judge | Justice Prasanna Bhalachandra Varale, 32nd Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court
