Three newly appointed judges of the Karnataka High Court were administered the oath of office on Tuesday, marking a significant addition to the state judiciary. Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru conducted the oath-taking ceremony, officially inducting the judges into their new roles.

Judges sworn in

The judges who took the oath are Geetha Kadaba Bharatharaja Setty, Muralidhara Pai Borkatte, and Tyagaraja Narayan Inavally. All three have served in the district judges’ cadre and bring extensive experience as judicial officers across various districts of Karnataka. Their appointments reflect the judiciary’s effort to strengthen the bench and manage the increasing caseload effectively.

During the ceremony, Chief Justice Bakhru emphasised the importance of upholding the Constitution, impartiality, and judicial ethics, while addressing the new judges. The oath-taking was attended by senior members of the High Court, legal officers, and other dignitaries.

Impact on the high court

With these appointments, the total strength of judges in the Karnataka High Court has risen to 49, against the sanctioned strength of 62. The addition is expected to help reduce the backlog of cases and improve judicial efficiency in the state.

Legal experts note that increasing the number of judges in the high court is a critical step to ensure timely disposal of cases, particularly in a state witnessing growing litigation across civil, criminal, and administrative matters. The newly inducted judges are expected to handle a mix of pending cases, writ petitions, and appeals, contributing to a more balanced distribution of the court’s workload.

Background of the appointees

  • Geetha Kadaba Bharatharaja Setty has served in multiple districts, gaining experience in civil and criminal law matters.
  • Muralidhara Pai Borkatte has a long record of presiding over civil, criminal, and service matters, with a reputation for efficiency.
  • Tyagaraja Narayan Inavally has been involved in various judicial reforms and case management initiatives in the district courts.

Their collective experience is expected to strengthen the functioning of the Karnataka High Court and ensure speedier delivery of justice to citizens.

Conclusion

The induction of these three judges comes at a time when high courts across India are facing increasing pressure to reduce case backlogs. With the bench now at 49 members, the Karnataka High Court aims to enhance its capacity to address pending litigation efficiently, while maintaining high standards of judicial integrity and accountability.