Congress Slams Appointment of Former BJP Spokesperson Aarti Sathe as Bombay HC Judge, Raises Questions Over Judicial Neutrality

Mumbai: A major political row has erupted over the proposed elevation of Advocate Aarti Arun Sathe to the Bombay High Court bench, with the Maharashtra Congress sharply criticising the decision. In a strong-worded press statement, the state unit of the Congress party expressed deep concerns about Sathe’s past political affiliation, alleging that her recent role as a BJP spokesperson raises serious questions about the neutrality and integrity of judicial appointments.

The controversy surfaced after the Supreme Court Collegium, in its meeting on July 28, cleared the names of Aarti Arun Sathe, Ajit Kadethankar, and Sushil Ghodeshwar for appointment as judges of the Bombay High Court. While the inclusion of all three was based on recommendations from the High Court Collegium and scrutinised by the Supreme Court, it is Sathe’s political background that has triggered objections from the opposition.

The Congress pointed out that Sathe had served as a spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as recently as February 2023 — a fact the party claims makes her appointment “highly improper and deeply troubling.” They argued that judicial independence must not only exist in fact but must also appear to be beyond suspicion or political influence. “Appointing someone with such recent and visible political connections undermines public faith in the impartiality of the judiciary,” the party’s statement read.

However, the BJP has hit back, denying any wrongdoing. BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhyay defended Sathe, asserting that she had “ceased to be a member of the BJP a year and a half ago” and no longer holds any official or informal ties with the party. “Her legal record is impeccable, and her past association should not be weaponised to prevent her elevation based solely on merit,” he said.