SC approves nine advocates’ elevation as judges at Bombay HC including Somasekhar Sundaresan

The Supreme Court Collegium on Friday has approved the names of nine lawyers for appointment as judges of the Bombay High Court.

“The Supreme Court Collegium in its meeting held on March 19, 2021, has approved the proposal for elevation of the following persons as Judges of the Bombay High Court,” said the statement issued by the Apex Court.

Among the advocates who have been elevated to the bench include Somasekhar Sundaresan, Aruna S Pai, Shailesh P Brahme, Kamal R Khata, Sharmila U Deshmukh, Amira Abdul Razaq, Sandeep V Marne, Sandeep H Parikh and Mahendra M Nerlikar.


The Collegium has also approved the names of four judicial officer for the appointment at the Bombay High Court, including Rajesh N Laddha, Sanjay G Mehare, GA Sanap and SG Dige.

In July 2016, Sundaresan had left law firm J Sagar & Associates (JSA), where he was partner and head of capital market practice to start an independent counsel practice. Subsequently, he was part of many high-profile corporate battles including representing Shapoorji Pallonji Group in the on-going battle between Tata Trusts and Mistry Group.

While advocate Aruna S Pai is currently an Additional Public Prosecutor.

Currently, the Bombay High Court is functioning with 62 judges though its sanctioned strength is 94. The High Court also has its benches in Nagpur, Aurangabad and in Panaji (Goa).