Adv. Sharfuddin Ahmad Demands Reversal of Arati Sathe’s Bombay High Court Appointment

Adv. Sharfuddin Ahmad, National Vice President of the Social Democratic Party of India strongly condemns the appointment of Advocate Arati Arun Sathe, former Maharashtra BJP spokesperson, as a judge of the Bombay High Court. This decision represents a grave assault on the independence of the judiciary and undermines the constitutional principle of separation of powers, which is the bedrock of our democracy.

The appointment of an individual who served as the official spokesperson of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party until January 2024 raises serious concerns about impartiality. Ms. Sathe’s recent and prominent political role, evidenced by her appointment letter on BJP letterhead, casts a shadow over the judiciary’s credibility. Her resignation from the BJP mere months before her elevation does little to assuage fears of bias, as public perception of judicial neutrality is paramount. The judiciary must not only be impartial but must also appear to be so, and this appointment fails that critical test.

The SDPI finds it alarming that the Supreme Court Collegium overlooked the potential conflict of interest inherent in appointing a politically active figure to such a sensitive position. This move risks eroding public trust in the judiciary, particularly in a polarized political climate where faith in institutions is already fragile. The lack of transparency in the collegium’s selection process further exacerbates these concerns, leaving citizens questioning whether merit or political allegiance drove this decision.

We demand the immediate reconsideration of Ms. Sathe’s appointment and urge the Chief Justice of India to intervene to safeguard the judiciary’s integrity. A mandatory cooling-off period for individuals with recent political affiliations is essential to prevent such controversies. The SDPI stands firm in its commitment to upholding democratic values and calls for a judiciary free from political influence. We will continue to advocate for reforms to ensure transparency and accountability in judicial appointments, protecting the sanctity of our constitutional framework.