'Same Person Or Similar Name?' TMC MP Saket Gokhale Questions Appointment Of Arti Sathe For Bombay HC Judge Post, Hints At Possible BJP Link

Mumbai: The Supreme Court collegium has recommended advocate Aarti Sathe for elevation to the Bombay High Court, prompting questions about her identity amid speculation over a possible political connection to the BJP.

The development was highlighted in a tweet by a Rajya Sabha MP and national spokesperson of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) Saket Gokhale, who is also a member of the Parliamentary Committees on Communication, IT and Information & Broadcasting.

The MP noted the collegium’s recommendation and posed a question on X, "Just curious because there’s an Adv Aarti Sathe who has been a spokesperson of Maharashtra BJP. Legal fraternity, same person or just similar names?”

The tweet has triggered interest and debate, particularly around the separation of judiciary and political affiliation. If confirmed to be the same individual, the appointment could raise questions on precedent and propriety, although there is no legal bar on political functionaries being appointed to the bench, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and resign from party positions prior to appointment.

The Supreme Court collegium’s recommendations are subject to review and clearance by the Central Government before official appointments are notified.