Chief Justice of India B R Gavai on Friday swore in Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Vipul Manubhai Pancholi as judges of the Supreme Court.
Their elevation, cleared earlier this week, restores the apex court to its full sanctioned strength of 34 judges, including the CJI.
Justice Pancholi Set To Be Future CJI
Justice Pancholi’s appointment carries long-term significance. As per the line of seniority, he will take over as Chief Justice of India on October 3, 2031, a day after Justice Joymalya Bagchi retires. He will hold office until May 27, 2033.
The collegium, headed by CJI Gavai, had recommended the elevation of Justices Aradhe and Pancholi on August 25. However, Justice BV Nagarathna, the sole woman on the bench and a collegium member, strongly objected to Pancholi’s inclusion, cautioning that it could prove “counter-productive” and damage “whatever credibility the collegium system still holds.”
Born on April 13, 1964, Justice Aradhe began his legal practice in the Madhya Pradesh High Court in 1988, focusing on civil, constitutional, and arbitration matters. He was designated a senior advocate in 2007 before joining the bench.
2009: Appointed Additional Judge, Madhya Pradesh High Court.
2011: Became a permanent judge.
2016: Transferred to Jammu & Kashmir High Court, later serving as its Acting Chief Justice.
2018: Moved to Karnataka High Court.
2022: Served as Acting Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court.
2023: Appointed Chief Justice of Telangana High Court.
2025: Took charge as Chief Justice of Bombay High Court.
His career reflects a steady progression through multiple high courts, giving him wide administrative and judicial experience.
Justice Pancholi, born on May 28, 1968, in Ahmedabad, began his legal career in 1991 at the Gujarat High Court. He also taught law as a visiting faculty at Sir L A Shah Law College for over 2 decades, balancing academics with practice.
Served as Assistant Government Pleader and Additional Public Prosecutor in the Gujarat High Court for seven years until 2006.
Elevated as Additional Judge of the Gujarat High Court in 2014, and became a permanent judge in 2016.
Transferred to Patna High Court in 2023.
Elevated as Chief Justice of Patna High Court in July 2025 before being appointed to the Supreme Court.
With their induction, the Supreme Court once again functions at full strength. While Justice Aradhe’s extensive administrative stints bring seasoned leadership, Justice Pancholi’s elevation has drawn mixed reactions due to the noted dissent within the collegium.
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