Centre Notifies Appointment Of 2 Advocates As Additional Judges Of Bombay High Court

The Union government on Friday notified the appointment of two advocates as additional judges of the Bombay High Court for two years.

The two advocates are:

1. Gautam Ashwin Ankhad, and

2. Mahendra Madhavrao Nerlikar.

The Supreme Court collegium had recommended their names for elevation on September 24.

It may be noted that out of the nine names recommended for appointment as judges of the Bombay High Court on September 24, 2024, the Centre cleared five in October 2024 and one name [Justice Sachin Shivajirao Deshmukh] in May 2025. Now, with two more names being approved today, one name [Rajesh Sudhakar Datar] still remains pending with the Government.

The Bombay High Court has a sanctioned strength of 94 judges. With the latest two appointments cleared, the working strength has risen to 65, leaving 29 vacancies in the HC.