Karnataka Bar Council Chairman Assures Cooperation to Six New High Court Judges

The Karnataka High Court has welcomed six new Additional Judges, sworn in on a Sunday afternoon at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru. The appointment, made by the President of India under Article 224 of the Constitution, marks a significant addition to the bench as the court grapples with a substantial case backlog. In a timely gesture of unity, Venkaraddi Devaraddi Kamaraddi, Chairman of the Karnataka State Bar Council (KSBC), extended a formal assurance of "wholehearted cooperation" from the legal fraternity to the newly sworn-in judges.

The oath-taking ceremony, held at 3:30 PM, was the culmination of an official notification issued by the Ministry of Law & Justice, Department of Justice, on August 7, 2026. The six advocates-turned-judges were appointed for a term of two years, effective from the date they assume charge. Their elevation is part of the ongoing process to strengthen the judiciary's capacity and improve the efficiency of justice delivery in the state.

The Ceremony and the New Appointees

The ceremony was a modest yet momentous occasion, attended by fellow judges, senior advocates, and members of the legal community. The new Additional Judges are Justice Raghavendra Seetharam Srivatsa, Justice Hema Kulkarni, Justice Subramanya Rangarao, Justice Thadagavadi Prakash Vivekananda, Justice Bakkeswara Pramod, and Justice Hombe Gowda Shanthi Bhushan. Each brings a distinct background in litigation and legal practice, reflecting the diversity of experience that enriches the bench.

Observers note that the appointments come at a time when the Karnataka High Court is handling over 3.5 lakh pending cases, a figure that underscores the need for more judicial officers. The addition of six judges is expected to expedite hearings in civil, criminal, and constitutional matters, though court administrators caution that the two-year tenure is a provisional arrangement, subject to extension or confirmation upon recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium and subsequent approval by the President.

Chairman Kamaraddi's Assurance

Shortly after the ceremony, Chairman Kamaraddi publicly addressed the new judges, emphasizing the long-standing tradition of bar-bench camaraderie in Karnataka. He noted that the legal profession has always extended its full support to the judiciary, and that such cooperation is essential for the effective discharge of judicial duties. His words carried a tone of collective responsibility:

"Assistance and cooperation must be ensured to achieve the best results. We, the members of the legal fraternity, assure you wholehearted cooperation in discharging your duties with good understanding and cooperation. Unitedly we can serve the cause of justice and litigant public in an effective manner…"

This statement is not merely ceremonial; it reflects a pragmatic recognition that the judiciary cannot function in isolation. A cooperative bar reduces procedural delays, facilitates settlement opportunities, and enhances the quality of argumentation—all of which are critical to reducing pendency.

Legal Framework Under Article 224

The appointments were made in exercise of the power conferred by clause (1) of Article 224 of the Constitution, which permits the President to appoint additional judges to a High Court for a temporary period, not exceeding two years, to address an increase in workload or a backlog of cases. This provision is distinct from Article 217, which governs permanent appointment of High Court judges. Additional judges enjoy the same powers and privileges as permanent judges, including the authority to hear cases, issue writs, and pass orders, but their tenure is limited.

The process involves a recommendation from the Supreme Court Collegium, followed by the President's approval. In this instance, the Ministry of Law & Justice issued the formal notification after the President's assent. The two-year term allows the judiciary to absorb the additional manpower without immediately altering the permanent strength, giving the Collegium time to evaluate the judges' performance for potential confirmation.

Legal scholars point out that Article 224 appointments are often a stepping stone to permanent judgeship. The provision has been used effectively in various High Courts to manage temporary spikes in litigation or vacancies. However, critics have argued that the repeated use of additional judges without full confirmation can create uncertainty and impact judicial independence. In this context, the six new judges will be closely observed, and their judgments will play a significant role in shaping their future careers.

The Symbolism of Bar-Bench Cooperation

The assurance from the Bar Council is particularly significant in the current legal landscape. Across India, tensions occasionally arise between bar associations and the bench, often over issues of court administration, adjournments, or disciplinary actions. Karnataka, however, has a relatively harmonious record, and Chairman Kamaraddi's explicit pledge underscores the state's commitment to a collaborative approach.

From a practical standpoint, a cooperative bar can help new judges acclimate to their roles. Senior advocates often guide junior judges on local rules, precedents, and courtroom etiquette, easing the transition from advocate to adjudicator. Moreover, the bar's willingness to streamline filings and time management can directly reduce docket pressure. The chairman's words also signal to the public that both the bar and the bench are united in their goal of expeditious justice.

Impact on the Legal Community

For legal practitioners in Karnataka, the arrival of six new judges brings a mix of optimism and vigilance. The immediate effect will be additional courtrooms and more hearing dates. Lawyers who have been waiting for lengthy matters are expected to see faster listings. Meanwhile, the permanent judges will have more time to focus on complex constitutional cases, knowing that the additional judges can handle routine matters.

“The appointment of these six judges is a positive step,” observed a senior advocate who attended the ceremony. “The High Court has been stretched thin, and the new bench strength will allow us to clear arrears more effectively. The Bar Council’s assurance is just as important—it shows that the entire legal ecosystem is behind the court.”

However, some attorneys express concern about the quality of new appointments, especially given the expedited nature of the selection process. The two-year tenure means these judges will be under pressure to perform quickly, and litigants will be watching their rulings closely. The bar’s cooperation, while genuine, does not guarantee smooth sailing; the new judges will need to earn respect through their legal acumen and impartiality.

Broader Implications for Justice Delivery

The induction of six Additional Judges in Karnataka is part of a larger national trend where High Courts are increasingly relying on temporary appointments to bridge vacancies. According to the Department of Justice, as of mid-2026, the working strength of High Courts across the country is around 60% of the sanctioned strength. This chronic shortage has led to delayed justice—a violation of the constitutional guarantee under Article 21 of a speedy trial. The use of Article 224 is a stopgap measure, but it raises questions about why permanent vacancies are not filled on time.

In Karnataka, the sanctioned strength of the High Court is 62 judges, but the working strength has hovered around 40. With these six additions, the number rises to 46, still short of the full complement. The Bar Council’s cooperation is essential, but as one observer noted, “Cooperation cannot substitute for the systemic reforms needed to attract the best legal minds to the bench and to retain them.”

The new judges will also face the challenge of adopting technology. The Karnataka High Court has been rolling out e-filing and virtual hearing systems, and the additional judges will need to be proficient in these tools to manage their caseloads efficiently. The bar’s readiness to embrace digital processes will significantly affect the success of these initiatives.

Looking Ahead

As the six judges assume their seats, the Karnataka State Bar Council’s promise of cooperation offers a strong foundation for their tenure. The legal fraternity’s support is not just a formality—it is a commitment to uphold the rule of law and ensure that litigants receive timely justice. The coming months will test both the judges’ capabilities and the resilience of the bar-bench relationship.

Judicial appointments under Article 224 are inherently temporary, but their impact can be lasting. If these judges demonstrate excellence, they may be elevated to permanent positions, contributing to the long-term strength of the Karnataka High Court. For now, the immediate priority is to clear backlogs, maintain procedural fairness, and deliver judgments that inspire confidence in the justice system.

In the words of Chairman Kamaraddi, “Unitedly we can serve the cause of justice.” That unity is now on display, and the legal community will be watching to see how this partnership unfolds in practice.