Justice Prasanna B Varale was sworn in as a judge of the Supreme Court on Thursday. Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, administered the oath of office to him. The Supreme Court Collegium had recommended Justice Varale’s elevation last week, who previously served as the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court.
President of India released a notification on January 24 regarding his elevation. The Collegium, comprising CJI and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, Surya Kant, and Aniruddha Bose, recommended Justice Varale’s elevation. With this appointment, Justice Varale becomes the third sitting judge of the Supreme Court from the Dalit community, joining Justices BR Gavai and CT Ravikumar.
Justice Varale, who served as the senior-most High Court judge belonging to a Scheduled Caste, was the only Chief Justice belonging to a Scheduled Caste among Chief Justices of High Courts across the country. The Collegium noted his competence, unimpeachable conduct, and integrity, stating that he maintained a high standard of professional ethics. Before becoming a judge of the Bombay High Court in 2008, he practiced law for over 23 years, handling cases in district and session courts and constitutional matters at the High Court Bench in Aurangabad. He was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court in October 2022.