JUSTICE ALOK ARADHE AND JUSTICE VIPUL PANCHOLI

Current Context : The President of India has appointed Justice Alok Aradhe (Chief Justice of Bombay High Court) and Justice Vipul Pancholi (Chief Justice of Patna High Court) as judges of the Supreme Court.

Sanctioned Strength: With these appointments, the Supreme Court reached its full sanctioned strength of 34 judges.

CONSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR APPOINTMENT

• Article 124(2)
  • Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President of India.
  • The President acts after consultation with such Supreme Court and High Court judges as deemed necessary.
• Article 124(3): Qualifications

A person is eligible if:

• He/She is an Indian citizen; and
• Has served as a High Court judge for at least 5 years, OR
• Has been an advocate in a High Court (or multiple) for at least 10 years, OR
• Is recognized by the President as a distinguished jurist.

• Article 124(6): Oath
  • Before entering office, every judge must take an oath to:
    • Uphold the Constitution of India,
    • Protect the sovereignty and integrity of India, and
    • Perform duties impartially, without fear or favour.
  • Retirement Age
    • Judges of the Supreme Court retire at 65 years of age.
  • Article 124(4): Removal
    • Judges can be removed by the President only after an address by both Houses of Parliament,
    • Requires a two-thirds majority,
    • Grounds: Proven misbehaviour or incapacity.