The Central government on Monday notified the appointment of three advocates — Deepak Khot, Amit Seth, and Pavan Kumar Dwivedi —as judges of the Madhya Pradesh High Court..Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal put a post on X sharing the development. The name of Amit Seth was recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium on October 17, 2023. The Collegium noted that Seth had a reasonably good practice at the Bar, enjoyed a good personal and professional image, and carried a reputation for character and integrity. .According to the recommendation, the sole consultee judge of the Supreme Court expressed a positive opinion regarding his suitability. The inputs placed by the Department of Justice indicated that Seth enjoyed a good personal and professional image, and that nothing adverse had come to notice against his integrity. The Collegium also recorded that there was no indication of overt political leanings..On the same day, the Collegium deferred consideration of Deepak Khot and Pavan Kumar Dwivedi and sought a report from the Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on their suitability, in view of inputs placed by the Department of Justice..Following receipt of additional material, including responses from the candidates, the Collegium cleared the names of Khot and Dwivedi in a subsequent resolution dated January 9, 2024..Importantly, the Collegium observed that inputs from the government questioning his integrity were based on unconfirmed information obtained through discreet enquiries, and were not supported by any specific or verifiable material.“Shri Deepak Khot is fit and suitable for appointment as a Judge of the High Court of Madhya Pradesh,” the Collegium concluded..On Pavan Kumar Dwivedi, the Collegium held that he was professionally competent and suitable for elevation.The consultee judges also gave a favourable opinion, stating that Dwivedi was a competent advocate. As with Khot, the Collegium dismissed the integrity-related concerns as unconfirmed and lacking any concrete material..As on May 1, the Madhya Pradesh High Court is functioning with 33 judges as against its sanctioned strength of 53, a vacancy position of 20.
