Is Justice H.S. Thangkhiew the New Acting Chief Justice of Meghalaya HC?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Justice Hamarsan Singh Thangkhiew appointed as Acting Chief Justice.
- Appointment follows the retirement of Chief Justice Indra Prasanna Mukerji.
- Justice Thangkhiew has extensive legal experience since 1990.
- He has served as a senior advocate and represented various legal bodies.
- His appointment ensures continuity in Meghalaya's judicial leadership.
New Delhi, Sep 4 (NationPress) The Central Government has officially announced the appointment of Justice Hamarsan Singh Thangkhiew as the Acting Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court following the retirement of Chief Justice Indra Prasanna Mukerji on September 5.
According to a notification from the Union Ministry of Law and Justice, "In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 223 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Hamarsan Singh Thangkhiew, Judge of the Meghalaya High Court, to perform the duties of the office of the Chief Justice of that High Court with effect from 06.09.2025 consequent upon retirement of Shri Justice Indra Prasanna Mukerji, Chief Justice, Meghalaya High Court on 05.09.2025."
Article 223 grants the President the authority to appoint any puisne judge as Acting Chief Justice in the event of a vacancy or if the Chief Justice is unable to fulfill their duties.
Born on December 24, 1966, in Shillong, Justice Thangkhiew was sworn in as a Judge of the Meghalaya High Court on November 19, 2018. An alumnus of St. Edmund’s College, Shillong, and Delhi University, he began his legal career in 1990, specializing in civil, constitutional, customary, and company law.
The Gauhati High Court recognized him as a senior advocate in August 2010.
Justice Thangkhiew has represented various entities, including the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council, the Election Commission of India, and North Eastern Hill University, and has acted as special counsel for Meghalaya in cases concerning reservation policies.
Prior to his appointment to the bench, Justice Thangkhiew engaged in pro bono work for underprivileged individuals and participated in mediation activities facilitated by the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority. He has also served as an elected member of the Bar Council across several northeastern states and was a member of the Meghalaya State Bar Council as well as the Meghalaya State Law Commission under Section 58 of the Advocates Act, 1961.