Justice PB Varale was sworn in as a judge of the Supreme Court of India on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the nation's judiciary. The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud in a distinguished ceremony attended by fellow judges and members of the legal community.

The Supreme Court Collegium, on January 19, had recommended the appointment of Justice Varale, recognizing his extensive legal expertise and commitment to justice. His elevation to the apex court underscores a crucial aspect of representation, as he is not only the senior-most High Court Judge but also belongs to the Scheduled Caste, adding to the diversity of perspectives on the bench.

Before his appointment to the Supreme Court, Justice Varale held the position of Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court. His journey to this esteemed position has been marked by a distinguished career, making him the only Chief Justice belonging to a Scheduled Caste among the Chief Justices of High Courts across the country.

The significance of Justice Varale's appointment lies not only in his legal acumen but also in the strides made towards ensuring diversity within the judiciary. As the third sitting judge of the Supreme Court from the Dalit community, along with Justices BR Gavai and CT Ravikumar, further enriching the court with diverse perspectives and experiences.

The Central government officially notified Justice Varale's appointment on January 24, paving the way for him to take on the responsibilities of a Supreme Court judge. Today, he will sit on the bench alongside Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, contributing his wealth of experience and legal expertise to the highest echelon of the Indian judiciary.