New Delhi: In a significant development for the Indian judiciary, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud administered the oath of office to Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale, who officially assumed the position of a Supreme Court Judge. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Supreme Court premises in New Delhi.
Justice Varale’s appointment fills a crucial vacancy in the Supreme Court, bringing the total number of judges to its full strength of 34, including the Chief Justice of India. This follows the retirement of Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul on December 25, 2023.
The Ministry of Law and Justice had announced Justice Varale’s appointment, and the Supreme Court collegium had recommended his elevation on January 19. The collegium took note of his extensive experience, having served as a judge of the Bombay High Court since 2008 and later as the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court.
Notably, Justice Varale’s elevation adds to the diversity of the Supreme Court, as he is the senior-most judge belonging to a Scheduled Caste. He joins Justices Gavai and CT Ravikumar, making it the first time the Supreme Court has three judges from the Scheduled Caste category.
Born on June 23, 1962, in Nipani, Karnataka, Justice Varale graduated in Arts and Law from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University. He enrolled as an advocate in 1985 and was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in July 2008. Three years later, he became a permanent judge and served for 14 years before being appointed as the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court in October 2022.
With his extensive legal career and notable achievements, Justice Prasanna B Varale brings a wealth of experience to the Supreme Court, contributing to the diverse and robust judicial system in India.