Mumbai News: Centre Appoints 3 Additional Judges To Bombay HC, Including Former BJP Spokesperson Aarti Arun Sathe

Mumbai: The Centre on Wednesday appointed three advocates as additional judges of the Bombay High Court, including former Maharashtra BJP spokesperson Aarti Arun Sathe, whose proposed elevation had drawn criticism from the state Congress earlier this month.

Three Advocates Elevated as Additional Judges

A notification issued on Wednesday stated: “In exercise of the power conferred by clause (1) of Article 224 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint (i) Shri Ajit Bhagwanrao Kadethankar, (ii) Shri Sushil Manohar Ghodeswar and (iii) Ms. Aarti Arun Sathe, to be Additional Judges of the Bombay High Court, in that order of seniority, for a period of two years with effect from the date they assume charge of their respective offices.”

Appointment Approved by Supreme Court Collegium

The Supreme Court collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, had approved their appointments at its meeting on July 28. The HC currently has 66 judges against a sanctioned strength of 94. Their appointment will take the working strength at 69.

Congress Objects to Sathe’s Elevation

On August 5, the Maharashtra Congress objected to Sathe’s appointment, pointing out that she was a BJP spokesperson as recently as February 2023. The party termed it “highly improper” to elevate her to the bench.

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Sathe Resigned from BJP Over a Year Ago

Sathe, who has over 20 years of advocacy experience in SAD, direct tax, customs, SEBI matters and matrimonial disputes, was appointed Maharashtra BJP spokesperson in February 2023. She resigned in January 2024 from the post, her primary party membership, and the Mumbai BJP Legal Department, citing personal and professional reasons.

A BJP spokesperson, however, maintained that Sathe had cut all ties with the party well over a year ago.