The Union government has officially notified the appointment of two advocates, Gautam Ashwin Ankhad and Mahendra Madhavrao Nerlikar, as additional judges of the Bombay High Court for a period of two years. This development came on Friday after the Supreme Court collegium had earlier recommended their elevation on September 24, 2024.
"It is significant to note that out of the nine names suggested by the collegium for appointment as judges of the Bombay High Court on September 24, 2024, the Centre had already cleared five names in October 2024 and one more name, Justice Sachin Shivajirao Deshmukh, in May 2025," a legal source mentioned.
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With these two additional approvals, only the recommendation of Rajesh Sudhakar Datar remains pending with the government.
At present, the sanctioned strength of judges in the Bombay High Court stands at 94. With the inclusion of these two new appointments, the working strength of the High Court has increased to 65 judges.
There are now 29 vacancies still to be filled in the Bombay High Court, highlighted a judicial official, reflecting the need for further appointments to ensure smooth judicial functioning.