New Delhi: The President of India, exercising powers under the Constitution and after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, has appointed Justice Vipul Manubhai Pancholi, Chief Justice of the Patna High Court, as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India, the Union Minister of Law & Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, announced today.

Alongside him, Justice Alok Aradhe, Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, has also been appointed to the apex court. The appointments mark a key reshuffle in the judiciary, bringing experienced high court judges to the Supreme Court bench.

With his elevation, Justice Pancholi is expected to serve as the Chief Justice of India for approximately 16 months starting May 2031, following the retirement of Justice Joymalya Bagchi. With the Centre’s approval of these appointments, the Supreme Court will operate at its full sanctioned strength of 34 judges.

Born on May 28, 1968, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Justice Pancholi enrolled as an advocate in September 1991 and began practicing at the Gujarat High Court. He was transferred to the Patna High Court in July 2023, where he assumed office as a judge. In July 2025, he was appointed Chief Justice of the Patna High Court. DeshGujarat