Karnataka Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale appointed to Supreme Court

Bengaluru: Justice Prasanna B Varale, currently serving as the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, has been elevated to the Supreme Court.

Sources indicate that he will be sworn in tomorrow, succeeding Justice S K Kaul, who retired last month. This appointment restores the Supreme Court's judiciary to its full strength of 34 judges.

At 61 years old, Justice Varale brings with him over two decades of legal practice, specialising in civil, criminal, labour, and administrative matters. His prior experience includes serving in the Bombay High Court.

Assuming the role of Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court in October 2022, Justice Varale's recent elevation to the Supreme Court was recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium earlier this month. The Collegium acknowledged his seniority among high court judges and highlighted his unique position as the only High Court Chief Justice from the Scheduled Caste.

He will become the third sitting judge from the Scheduled Caste community, joining Justices B R Gavai and C T Ravikumar. The appointment swiftly followed the Supreme Court Collegium's endorsement of his name.

The law ministry's notification stated, "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 Prasarma 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."