Who is Justice Kempaiah Somashekar, the Newly Sworn-in 9th CJ of Manipur High Court?
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Synopsis
Justice Kempaiah Somashekar has taken the oath as the Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court, marking a significant milestone in his distinguished career. Discover the path that led to this appointment and his contributions to the judiciary. This article dives into his background, the swearing-in ceremony, and the implications of his new role.
Key Takeaways
- Justice Kempaiah Somashekar is the ninth Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court.
- The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Raj Bhavan.
- Justice Somashekar has a rich background in the judiciary.
- The appointment reflects the Supreme Court Collegium's recommendation.
- He has served in various judicial capacities across Karnataka.
Imphal, May 22 (NationPress) Justice Kempaiah Somashekar was officially sworn in as the ninth Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court during a ceremony held at the Raj Bhavan.
The oath was administered by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla in the Darbar Hall of Raj Bhavan.
Justice Somashekar, previously serving in the Karnataka High Court, was appointed to this prestigious position by the President on May 20.
The ceremony was attended by several notable figures including judges of the Manipur High Court, the Chief Secretary, the Security Advisor to the government of Manipur, the Director General of Police, and various civil, police, military, and judicial service officers, as well as members of Bar Associations.
On May 15, the Supreme Court Collegium recommended Justice Somashekar for the Chief Justice role following the retirement of Chief Justice D. Krishnakumar on May 21.
Post the recommendation from the SC Collegium, the Union Ministry of Law and Justice sought the opinion of the state government, and after gathering their feedback, submitted the proposal to the Prime Minister, who advised the President regarding the appointment.
After the President's approval, the Department of Justice made the announcement and published the notification in the Gazette of India.
Born on September 15, 1963, Justice Somashekar was appointed as an additional judge of the Allahabad High Court in November 2016 and became a permanent judge of the Karnataka High Court in November 2018.
He was appointed directly as a District and Sessions Judge in Karnataka on June 17, 1998. His previous roles include Additional District and Sessions Judge at Bijapur (Vijayapura), Bangalore City Civil Court, and Principal District and Sessions Judge at various locations including Uttara Kannada, Karwar District, Hassan, Bangalore Rural District, and Chitradurga. He also held positions as Registrar Judicial and Registrar Vigilance at the Karnataka High Court. Prior to his elevation to the Bench, he practiced law in Mysore and Chamarajanagar on both civil and criminal matters.
Point of View
I emphasize that Justice Kempaiah Somashekar's appointment is a significant development for the Manipur High Court. His extensive experience and dedication to justice will undoubtedly contribute to the legal landscape of the region. The appointment reflects a commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring fair judicial processes.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Justice Somashekar sworn in?
Justice Somashekar was sworn in on May 22.
Who administered the oath?
The oath was administered by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.
What was Justice Somashekar's previous position?
He served as a judge at the Karnataka High Court before his appointment.
What is the significance of this appointment?
His appointment as Chief Justice marks an important milestone for the judiciary in Manipur.
Who attended the swearing-in ceremony?
The ceremony was attended by judges, government officials, and members of various Bar Associations.
