The Union government on Monday notified the appointment of Panjigadde Krishna Bhat, Judicial Officer, as an additional Judge of the Karnataka High Court, for a period of two years.
The Collegium had first recommended his elevation as a judge of the high court in August, 2016.
It had subsequently reiterated its recommendation thrice, the last time being in October 2019.
The apex court collegium had to reiterate its recommendation after the government returned the first one for reconsideration, referring to a woman’s complaint of alleged sexual harassment against the judicial officer.
Later, the government had told the collegium that the matter was serious and sensitive which demanded a “fair and proper inquiry”.
An inquiry committee of the Karnataka High Court looked into the allegations then.
In October 2019, the collegium reiterated its recommendation for the third time when the government acceded to it.
