Has the Centre Appointed New Chief Justices for Kerala, Patna, and Meghalaya High Courts?
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Synopsis
The Centre's recent notification regarding the appointment and transfer of Chief Justices in several High Courts has sparked significant interest. With changes in leadership in Kerala, Patna, and Meghalaya, these judicial transitions are pivotal for the respective courts' direction and governance.
Key Takeaways
- Justice Soumen Sen has been appointed as Chief Justice of Kerala.
- Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo will take over as Chief Justice of Patna.
- Justice Revati Prashant Mohite Dere becomes Chief Justice of Meghalaya.
- The appointments align with the Supreme Court Collegium's recommendations.
- Two notable recommendations remain pending notification.
New Delhi, Jan 1 (NationPress) - On Thursday, the Centre announced the appointment and transfer of Chief Justices across various High Courts, a decision made based on the recommendations from the Supreme Court Collegium chaired by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant.
A notification from the Union Ministry of Law and Justice revealed that the President, exercising authority under Article 222 of the Constitution, has transferred Justice Soumen Sen, the Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court, to take the position of Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court. This transfer follows the retirement of the current Chief Justice Nitin Madhukar Jamdar, scheduled for January 9, 2026.
“In accordance with the powers granted by clause (1) of Article 222 of the Constitution of India, the President, after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, is pleased to transfer Shri Justice Soumen Sen, Chief Justice, Meghalaya High Court, and to direct him to assume charge as the Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court,” the notification stated.
Additionally, in a different notification, it was announced that the President has appointed Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo, a Judge of the Orissa High Court, as the Chief Justice of the Patna High Court, effective from the date he assumes office.
Furthermore, Justice Revati Prashant Mohite Dere, a Judge of the Bombay High Court, has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court due to the transfer of Justice Soumen Sen.
These changes follow the Supreme Court Collegium's recommendations made during its meeting on December 18, 2025, which proposed the elevation and transfer of several Chief Justices among various High Courts.
However, two of the Collegium's recommendations are still pending action from the Centre. The proposal to appoint Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta of the Allahabad High Court as Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court, following the retirement of the incumbent Chief Justice G. Narendar on January 9, and the proposal to appoint Justice M.S. Sonak of the Bombay High Court as Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court are both awaiting notification.
Point of View
It’s imperative to acknowledge the importance of these judicial appointments. They play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of our legal system. The Centre's actions reflect on the broader judicial landscape and underscore the ongoing evolution of our courts. We stand in solidarity with the notion that these changes will enhance justice delivery in our nation.
NationPress
04/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Chief Justices' appointments?
The appointments are crucial for ensuring effective leadership in the High Courts, impacting the administration of justice.
Who recommended these appointments?
The recommendations for these appointments were made by the Supreme Court Collegium.
When is the current Chief Justice of Kerala retiring?
The current Chief Justice of Kerala, Nitin Madhukar Jamdar, is set to retire on January 9, 2026.
