**Ex-BJP Spokesperson Aarti Sathe Appointed as Bombay High Court Judge**
Former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Advocate Aarti Arun Sathe has been appointed as a judge of the Bombay High Court, following the approval of the Supreme Court Collegium on July 28. This appointment has sparked significant controversy, with opposition parties in Maharashtra, including the Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Trinamool Congress, expressing concerns over judicial integrity and the potential erosion of democratic principles.
Critics argue that Sathe’s political background poses a threat to the impartiality of the judiciary. Supriya Shrinate from the Congress labeled the appointment a setback for judicial integrity, while NCP’s Rohit Pawar emphasized that such decisions undermine democracy and the separation of powers. The Trinamool Congress accused the BJP of compromising democratic institutions through politically motivated appointments.
The Supreme Court Collegium is responsible for interviewing candidates and recommending judicial appointments to the central government. On July 28, the Collegium put forth three names for elevation, including Sathe’s, but the central government has yet to act on these recommendations.
While the opposition raises alarms about Sathe’s appointment, it is noteworthy that this is not an isolated incident. Historically, several individuals with political ties have transitioned into judicial roles. Aarti Sathe is the ninth such individual to make this leap, following notable figures like Justice K S Hegde and Justice V R Krishna Iyer, both of whom had significant political careers before their appointments to the judiciary.
Justice K S Hegde was a member of the Indian National Congress and served in the Rajya Sabha before becoming a judge of the Mysore High Court and later the Supreme Court. Similarly, Justice V R Krishna Iyer was an active politician in Kerala before his judicial career, serving in various capacities, including as a minister.
As the debate continues, the implications of Sathe’s appointment on the judiciary and its perceived independence remain a focal point of discussion among legal experts and political analysts.
**FAQ**
*What are the concerns regarding Aarti Sathe’s appointment as a judge?*
Critics are concerned that her previous affiliation with the BJP may compromise the impartiality of the judiciary, potentially undermining the separation of powers and judicial integrity.