The Supreme Court Collegium on Monday recommended the appointment of Justice Vipul Manubhai Pancholi as the Chief Justice of Patna High Court..The recommendation was made by the Collegium headed by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai. He is currently serving as a judge of the Patna High Court where Justice Ashutosh Kumar is the acting Chief Justice.The post of Chief Justice is slated to fall vacant since Collegium has recommended the transfer and appointment of Justice Kumar as the Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court. .Justice Pancholi's parent High Court is Gujarat.He was transferred to Patna in July 2023. Justice Pancholi was born on May 28, 1968.He joined the Bar in September 1991 and started practice as an advocate in the Gujarat High Court.He was elevated as an additional judge of the Gujarat High Court October 1, 2014 and confirmed as permanent Judge on June 10, 2016.His transfer to Patna High Court from Gujarat was mired in controversy after the Gujarat High Court Advocates' Association (GHCAA) opposed the same.In a communication to the then Chief Justice of India, the GHCAA had said that Justice Pancholi imbibes all the qualities that a good judge should possess.They had further highlighted that Justice Pancholi has disposed of over 35,000 matters.Despite, the opposition, the transfer was effectuated. .[Read Collegium Statement]
