Justice Sharmila U. Deshmukh is a distinguished member of the Bombay High Court, appointed on July 19, 2022. Born on February 28, 1968, Justice Deshmukh's career reflects a blend of academic excellence and practical legal expertise. She is set to retire on February 27, 2030, marking a significant tenure on the bench.
Justice Deshmukh completed her B.Com. at Mulund College of Commerce and subsequently earned her L.L.B. from V.P.M's T.M.C. Law College, Thane. Demonstrating her commitment to international legal standards, she cleared the Qualified Lawyer's Transfer Test in 2002 and was enrolled as a Solicitor on the Roll of Solicitors of England and Wales.
Enrolling with the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa in 1994, Justice Deshmukh practiced extensively in the Bombay High Court, handling both Original and Appellate side cases. Her diverse experience and comprehensive understanding of law make her a valuable asset to the judiciary.
Justice Vrushali V. Joshi has served as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court since October 7, 2022. Born on December 6, 1964, Justice Joshi brings a wealth of experience from her extensive career in the legal field. She is expected to retire on December 5, 2026.
Justice Joshi completed her middle and higher education in Nagpur, followed by a graduation in Sanskrit and Philosophy. In 1988, she obtained her LL.B. from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar College of Law, Nagpur, and subsequently enrolled as an Advocate with the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa.
With 20 years of practice at the High Court of Bombay Nagpur Bench, Justice Joshi was selected as a District Judge directly from the Bar in 2008. She served in various key roles, including Assistant District Judge in Pune, Sessions Judge at the 'First Women's Special Court', Principal District Judge in Latur in 2017, and Chief Judge at City Civil Court Bombay in 2022. Her diverse experience across different courts has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the legal system.
Justice Arun R. Pedneker has been a part of the Bombay High Court as an Additional Judge since July 19, 2022. Born on June 24, 1971, Justice Pedneker is noted for his expertise in civil, criminal, constitutional, and labor law. His tenure is expected to continue until his retirement on June 23, 2033.
Justice Pedneker earned his LL.B. from M.S. College of Law, Panaji, Goa, and enrolled as an Advocate in 1995. Before his appointment to the High Court, he practiced extensively in the Supreme Court of India, handling a variety of significant cases.
Justice Pedneker’s background in diverse areas of law and his experience in the Supreme Court have equipped him with a broad perspective and deep understanding of the legal system.
Justice Smt. Mukulika Shrikant Jawalkar has served as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court since December 5, 2019. Born on May 26, 1964, Justice Jawalkar’s career is marked by a strong academic foundation and diverse judicial experience. She is scheduled to retire on May 25, 2026.
Justice Jawalkar completed her middle and higher education in Nagpur, followed by an LL.B. (5 years) in First Division from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar College of Law in 1989. She furthered her studies with an LL.M. in Constitution and Administrative Law from Nagpur University in 1992 and also completed B.Com and M.Com as an external candidate from Nagpur University. Additionally, she stood second in order of merit while completing a Master Degree in Human Rights and Duties Education in 2003.
Enrolling as an Advocate with the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa in September 1989, Justice Jawalkar has held various significant positions. She was appointed as an Executive Member of the High Court Bar Association, Nagpur, from 1996 to 1999 and as Secretary of Vidarbha Lady Lawyers Association. She also worked as a Contributory Lecturer in Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar College of Law, Nagpur.
Selected as a District Judge directly from the Bar in 2008, she served as District Judge-5 and Assistant Sessions Judge in Nasik. She was nominated by the Supreme Court of India and the National Judicial Academy as a Member of the delegation visiting Australia for an academic exchange program in 2009. Further roles include Judge at the Family Court, Bandra, Joint Charity Commissioner, Principal District and Sessions Judge at Parbhani and Bhandara, and First Chief Lady Judge at Small Causes Court, Mumbai. Her extensive judicial and academic background enriches her contributions to the Bombay High Court.
Justice Anil Satyavijay Kilor has been an integral part of the Bombay High Court since his appointment as an Additional Judge on August 23, 2019. Born on September 3, 1966, Justice Kilor brings a wealth of experience from his extensive legal career. He is expected to retire on September 2, 2028.
Hailing from Walgaon in the Amravati District of Vidarbha, Maharashtra, Justice Kilor completed his schooling at Hadas High School and earned a B.Com from DNC College, Nagpur. He pursued his LL.B from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Law College of Nagpur University. Early in his career, he interned at the office of Adv. A. A. Bade and later joined the office of Adv. Sanjay Jagtap after completing his LL.B in 1992.
Justice Kilor has handled matters before various legal bodies, including the High Court, Civil Court, Maharashtra Administrative Tribunal, College Tribunal, School Tribunal, Industrial Court, Labour Court, Co-operative Court, Consumer Court, revenue Tribunal, and revenue authorities. In 2000, he was appointed as an Assistant Government Pleader and Additional Public Prosecutor for the Government of Maharashtra at the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court, a position he resigned from in 2005.
Subsequently, he was appointed as an 'A' panel counsel for the State of Maharashtra and served as standing counsel for LIC, National Handloom Corporation, and Khandelwal Ferro Alloys. He has also appeared as special counsel for Nagpur University, Amravati University, the State of Maharashtra, and numerous Municipal Councils, Municipal Corporations, and Agriculture Produce Market Committees in the Vidarbha Region. Notably, he has appeared in over 30 significant Public Interest Litigations on a pro bono basis and has managed numerous election disputes.
Elected as the President of the prestigious High Court Bar Association, Nagpur, in 2017, Justice Kilor also served as an Executive Member of the Association from 1996 to 2000. During his presidency, he initiated significant development projects for the Bar Association. His diverse and extensive legal background enriches his role on the Bombay High Court.
