Opposition slams Ex-BJP spokesperson Aarti Sathe’s Bombay HC appointment, cites judicial concerns
Mumbai: The Supreme Court Collegium’s recommendation to appoint advocate Aarti Arun Sathe as a judge of the Bombay High Court has triggered intense political debate and constitutional concerns in Maharashtra. Critics allege that the move compromises the doctrine of separation of powers, a foundational principle of India’s democracy.
The controversy stems from Sathe’s recent political past. A seasoned tax lawyer with over 20 years of experience, Aarti Sathe served as the head of the BJP’s legal cell in Mumbai and was officially appointed as the party’s spokesperson in February 2023. She resigned from that position and gave up her primary membership of the BJP in January 2024, citing "personal and professional reasons."
However, just 19 months after serving as a public representative of the ruling party, her name was recommended on July 28, 2025, by the Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice B. R Gavai, for appointment to the Bombay High Court. This has sparked concerns about judicial neutrality and raised the spectre of political interference in judicial appointments.
Leading the criticism is NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) MLA Rohit Pawar, who posted the BJP’s official appointment letter of Sathe on social media, questioning whether a person who publicly represented the ruling party can now deliver judgments free from political bias.
“Appointing a party spokesperson as a judge is nothing short of a betrayal of democracy,” Pawar said. “Can anyone assure us that such a person’s judgments will be entirely free of political motivation? Doesn’t this cast a shadow of doubt over the entire judicial process?” he asked.
Pawar further questioned whether this appointment violates the basic constitutional principle of separation between the executive and the judiciary. “Isn’t this an attempt to turn the judiciary into a political arena?” he remarked. “The common citizen comes to court expecting impartial justice. Such appointments shake the very foundation of that belief,” he added.
He clarified that his objections were not to Sathe’s professional credentials but to the timing and political context of her appointment. “This recommendation should be reviewed, and the Chief Justices must intervene to issue appropriate guidance,” Pawar urged.
The Maharashtra Congress echoed similar concerns. “Appointing a BJP spokesperson as a judge is the height of political mockery. It is an insult to democracy,” said a party spokesperson.
The BJP has staunchly defended the recommendation. “Sathe resigned from both the spokesperson post and the party over a year ago. She currently has no ties with the BJP,” said Navnath Ban, head of BJP’s media department.
BJP national spokesperson Keshav Upadhye went a step further, citing past instances of political figures being appointed to the bench. “Justice Baharul Islam was a Rajya Sabha MP from the Congress and was later appointed to the judiciary before returning to Parliament. What does the Congress and Rohit Pawar have to say about that?” he asked.
According to Upadhye, Sahthe’s selection was based entirely on merit and followed due process by the Collegium.
Currently, the Bombay High Court operates with only 66 judges out of a sanctioned strength of 94, highlighting the urgent need to fill vacancies. However, critics warn that addressing judicial shortages must not come at the cost of compromising the independence of the judiciary.
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India, Ethiopia elevate ties to strategic partnership as PM Modi holds talks with his counterpart
Addis Ababa (PTI): India and Ethiopia on Tuesday elevated their historical ties to a strategic partnership, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali during which they discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest.
Modi, who arrived here from Jordan on his maiden bilateral visit, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace ahead of the bilateral talks, reflecting the vibrant India-Ethiopia relations rooted in shared history and a promising future.
"We are elevating India and Ethiopia relations to a strategic partnership. This step will provide new energy, new momentum and new depth to our ties," Prime Minister Modi said during the delegation-level talks.
He thanked PM Ali for his support in India's fight against terrorism. "The support of friendly countries in this struggle against terrorism holds great significance," Modi said.
"Today, we got the opportunity to deliberate on the key aspects of our cooperation, such as economy, innovation, technology, defence, health, capacity-building and multilateral cooperation. I am pleased that today, we have decided to double the student scholarship for Ethiopia in India," Modi said.
Modi said that India and Ethiopia have shared contact, dialogue, and exchange for thousands of years. The two countries, which are rich in languages and traditions, are symbols of unity in diversity, he added.
"Both countries are democratic powers committed to peace and the welfare of humanity. We are co-travellers and partners of the Global South. On international platforms, we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder," he said.
The two sides signed eight MoUs/agreements, including upgrading ties to 'Strategic Partnership', customs cooperation, establishing data center at the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, UN Peacekeeping training cooperation, debt restructuring under G20, more ICCR scholarships and AI short courses for Ethiopians, and support for maternal and neonatal healthcare.
Modi said the African Union's headquarters in Ethiopia makes the country a meeting point of African diplomacy. "Inspired by the common vision of an inclusive world, in 2023, India ensured that the African Union became a G20 member," he said.
In 2023, during India’s G20 Presidency, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20.
Modi said that though this is his first visit, he felt a deep sense of belonging and warmth, reflecting the thousands of years of connection between the two countries.
On his part, Prime Minister Ali said the two countries share over thousands of years of connection through trade, diplomacy, education, culture and even in our food and traditions. "These ties continue to shape a deep friendship, collaboration and mutual respect between our people," he said.
"We also appreciate your consistent message that Africa's priorities must lead the partnership. These kinds of dignified, respectful messages for Africa are very important. Mr Prime Minister, keep pushing. That is the type of message we are expecting from all our trusted friends," Ali said.
He said this aligned fully with Ethiopia's development plan - African-owned, African-led, and African-defined.
"Today, we meet with a clear focus to shape a modern partnership, grounded in sovereignty, self-reliance and practical cooperation. Our cooperation is rooted in equality and South-South solidarity," he said.
"Our economy is performing strongly. Last year, we grew 9.2% and this year we are expecting 10.3% GDP growth. Besides GDP growth, our FDI inflow is also rising big time. India is the leading source for our FDI," he said.
"We have more than 615 Indian companies which are investing in Ethiopia. This all gives our cooperation a strong foundation of trust. I think our decision today that we elevate our historic relationship to a strategic relationship is the right decision," he added.
Ethiopia also conferred its highest award - The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia - on PM Modi. He is the first global head of state to receive this award.
Prime Minister Modi also went to the Friendship Park and Friendship Square in Addis Ababa with PM Ali.
In a warm and special gesture, PM Modi was earlier received by his Ethiopian counterpart at the airport and accorded a warm and colourful welcome.
"Ethiopia is a nation with great history and vibrant culture," Modi said.
PM Ali informed his Indian counterpart about the varieties of Ethiopian coffee during informal talks.
"At Addis Ababa airport, took part in a traditional Coffee Ceremony with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The ceremony beautifully highlights Ethiopia’s rich heritage," Modi said.
In a unique gesture, the Ethiopian Prime Minister drove Modi to the hotel.
On the way, he took a special initiative of taking PM Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, which was not in the itinerary.
"Gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for showing me glimpses of Ethiopian history and culture at the National Palace Museum in Addis Ababa. It was a powerful reminder of Ethiopia’s rich traditions," Modi said in a post on X.
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Ethiopian PM’s special gestures show remarkable respect for Modi, sources said.
"Thank you Ethiopia for a welcome that was unforgettable. The Indian community showed remarkable warmth and affection. India-Ethiopia friendship is going to get even more robust in the times to come," Modi said.
When Modi arrived at the hotel, he was warmly welcomed by the members of the Indian community. Local artists performed dances. Some of them danced on the theme of the popular Hindi song 'Aisa Des Hai Mera' to welcome him.
On Wednesday, Modi will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.
PM Modi arrived in Ethiopia from Jordan, where he held a one-on-one meeting with King Abdullah II at the Husseiniya Palace on Monday before the delegation-level talks.
India and Jordan also inked MoUs in the fields of culture, renewable energy, water management, digital public infrastructure and twinning arrangement between Petra and Ellora, aimed at giving a major boost to bilateral ties and friendship.
From Ethiopia, Modi will visit Oman on the final leg of this three-nation tour.
