Supreme Court Collegium recommends appointment of 3 Advocates as Judges of Delhi High Court

The Collegium comprising of Dr Justice DY Chandrachud, CJI, Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice BR Gavai, on 21-8-2024, recommended that- (i) Ajay Digpaul, (ii) Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar, and (iii) Shwetasree Majumder, Advocates, be appointed as Judges of the High Court of Delhi. Their inter se seniority to be fixed as per the existing practice.

On 25-10-2023, the Chief Justice of the High Court of Delhi in consultation with his two senior-most colleagues recommended the names of the abovementioned Advocates for appointment as Judges of that High Court. To make the afore-stated recommendation, the Collegium scrutinized and evaluated the material placed on record and perused the observations made by the Department of Justice in the file.

1. Ajay Digpaul has a good practice and considerable experience of 31 years in several branches of law including civil, criminal, constitutional, labour, company, service and commercial law with specialization in civil and criminal cases. He has argued a number of cases which is reflected by his appearance in 42 reported judgments delivered by the High Court.

2. Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar has extensive practice which is reflected in 180 reported judgments delivered in the cases in which he appeared / argued.

3. Shwetasree Majumder is a competent lawyer in the field of Intellectual Property Rights and has extensive practice of more than 21 years and vast experience in civil matters, particularly intellectual property rights, technology, advertising and trade secret matters, which would be a valuable addition to the Bench of the High Court of Delhi. Besides, her elevation would promote diversity and inclusivity on the Bench of the High Court. The expertise of Advocate Shwetasree Majumder in the area of Intellectual Property Rights is of significant importance in view of the pendency of such matters in the High Court which are being dealt with by a dedicated IP Division. Furthermore, she has substantial practice which is reflected in 35 reported judgments delivered in the cases in which she appeared/argued.