The corridors of the Bombay High Court are set to welcome two fresh judicial minds. The Centre has approved the appointment of advocates Gautam Ashwin Ankhad and Mahendra Madhavrao Nerlikar as additional judges, giving the nod nearly ten months after the Supreme Court collegium’s recommendation in September 2024.
The official confirmation came via a notification issued by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice, invoking Article 224(1) of the Constitution. Both appointments are for a two-year term and will take effect from the day the appointees assume charge. Notably, the notification specifies the order of seniority: Ankhad first, followed by Nerlikar.
This development comes at a time when the Bombay High Court operates with just 64 judges—30 short of its sanctioned capacity of 94—making each addition to the bench a much-needed reinforcement.
The appointments mark another chapter in the slow but steady effort to fill judicial vacancies across the country.
