Amidst the global pandemic, the Indian legal system has digitized many practices to make way for social distancing. While virtual court hearings have become extremely common throughout the country, Gujrat welcomed three High Court judges amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

The judges who swore into the office of the High Court of Gujrat were Hon’ble Justices Vaibhaviben Devang Nanavati, Nirzarkumar Sushilkumar Desai, and Nikhil Shreedharan Kariel.

Hon’ble Chief Justice Vikram Nath administered the oath of office for the new judges at 10.00 am yesterday, i.e., October 4th, 2020.

Pursuant to the coronavirus pandemic and the safety guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the oath-taking ceremony was streamed online via the Zoom App. The judges and lawyers who attended the ceremony were seen wearing masks and following the rules of social distancing.

The notification of the appointment of these three judges was brought to the notice of the High Court earlier in the month of October by the Central Government.

The Supreme Court Collegium statement that was issued in August 2020, recommended the three advocates for elevation to the Gujrat High Court. Thus, the appointment of Hon’ble Justices Vaibhaviben Devang Nanavati, Nirzarkumar Sushilkumar Desai, and Nikhil Shreedharan Kariel were made pursuant to the aforementioned Collegium statement.