New Judges Appointed to Gujarat High Court
On October 8, 2024, the Union government announced the appointment of three advocates as judges of the Gujarat High Court. The newly appointed judges are Sanjeev Jayendra Thaker, Deeptendra Narayan Ray, and Maulik Jitendra Shelat. This decision was made by the President of India, following consultations with the Chief Justice of India, under Article 217 of the Constitution of India.
Supreme Court Collegium’s Recommendation
The Supreme Court Collegium had recommended these advocates for the position on August 13, 2024. The Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court, along with her two senior-most colleagues, initially recommended their names on December 22, 2023.
State Authorities’ Response
The Chief Minister and the Governor of Gujarat did not provide their views on the recommendations. As per the Memorandum of Procedure, if state authorities do not respond within a set timeframe, it is assumed they have no objections, allowing the process to move forward.
Evaluation Process
The suitability of the advocates was assessed by consulting colleagues familiar with the Gujarat High Court and reviewing materials on record. The Department of Justice’s observations were also considered in the decision-making process.
Doubts Revealed
Union government -: The Union government is the central government of India, which makes decisions for the entire country. It is led by the Prime Minister and includes various ministers.
Gujarat High Court -: The Gujarat High Court is a court in the state of Gujarat, India, where important legal cases are decided. It is one of the 25 High Courts in India.
President of India -: The President of India is the head of the country and has the power to make important decisions, like appointing judges, based on recommendations.
Chief Justice of India -: The Chief Justice of India is the head judge of the Supreme Court, the highest court in the country. They help in making important legal decisions.
Supreme Court Collegium -: The Supreme Court Collegium is a group of senior judges who recommend appointments and transfers of judges in India. They help ensure that the best people become judges.
Chief Minister -: The Chief Minister is the head of the government in an Indian state, like Gujarat. They are responsible for the state’s administration.
Governor of Gujarat -: The Governor of Gujarat is the representative of the President in the state. They have certain powers and duties, like giving approval to state laws.
Advocates -: Advocates are lawyers who represent people in court. They help people understand and fight for their legal rights.