Centre clears appointment of Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court Prasanna Bhalachandra Varale as Supreme Court judge

On January 24, 2024, the Ministry of Law and Justice under the Central Government cleared the appointment of Justice Prasanna Bhalachandra Varale, Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court, as Supreme Court Judge. The notification issued by the law Ministry reads, “In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Prasanna Bhalachandra Varale, Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, to be a Judge of the Supreme Court of India, with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office.” 

Last week this year, the SC Collegium recommended his name for elevation stating that he is the senior-most judge belonging to Scheduled Caste among the other HC judges. It also highlighted that among all the Chief Justices of HCs, Justice Varale is the only Chief Justice belonging to Scheduled Caste across the country. While recommending his name, the Collegium observed, “He is a competent judge with unimpeachable conduct and integrity and has throughout maintained a high standard of professional ethics.”

After confirming his appointment, the Supreme Court is back to its full working strength of 34 judges.