Historic Elevations, Strong Judgments 2025 shines bright for Nagpur’s legal world

 

 

 

 

The year 2025 turned out to be a landmark one for Nagpur’s legal fraternity, marked by important judicial achievements, important rulings and notable developments within the Bar. From historic elevations to impactful judgments by the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court, the year firmly placed Nagpur on the national legal map. One of the proudest moments for the city came in May 2025, when Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, who began his legal career at the Nagpur Bench, was sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India. His elevation was not just a personal milestone but a historic moment for Vidarbha, inspiring young lawyers and practitioners across the region. The High Court Bar Association (HCBA), Nagpur, marked the occasion with a grand felicitation ceremony that reflected the collective pride and unity of the local legal community.

 

 

The year also brought good news for the Nagpur Bar, with several advocates being appointed as judges of the Bombay High Court. Advocates Rajnish Ratnakar Vyas, Mehroz Ashraf Khan Pathan, Raj Damodar Wakode, Nandesh Shankarrao Deshpande, Sushil Manohar Ghodeswar, and Siddheshwar Sundarrao Thombre were appointed to the bench in 2025. These elevations were widely seen as recognition of the growing calibre, experience, and credibility of lawyers practising at the Nagpur Bench. 

 

 

On the judicial side, the Nagpur Bench delivered a series of important and socially relevant judgments. It took a firm stand on noise pollution, refusing permission for loudspeakers that disturb public peace and even stepping in suo motu to address widespread violations. Environmental concerns remained in sharp focus, with the court staying the cutting of over 1,300 trees, hearing multiple public interest litigations on tree protection, and directing authorities to seriously examine the relocation of the Bhandewadi dumping yard due to health risks. Public safety also received attention, with the court ordering inspections of delayed infrastructure projects such as the Nagpur–Katol road.

 

 

At the same time, the bench made it clear that misuse of the legal process would not be tolerated. Frivolous PILs were penalised, and criminal cases filed with ulterior motives were quashed. Yet, the court maintained a balanced and humane approach, granting relief in genuine matters involving caste validity certificates and cancellation of birth certificates. 

 

 

 

 

On the administrative front, Justice Anil S Kilor took over as the Administrative Judge of the Nagpur Bench, bringing renewed emphasis on efficient court functioning and better case management. Within the Bar, the HCBA elections held in December 2025 saw Advocate Abhay Sambare elected as President. Overall, 2025 stood out as a year of growth, recognition, and meaningful justice for Nagpur’s legal fraternity, setting a positive and confident tone for the years ahead.