Shimla, Sept 23
In a significant judicial reshuffle, the Centre announced the transfer and appointment of new chief justices for seven high courts on Saturday, including Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh. These appointments are based on recent amendments made by the Supreme Court Collegium to its earlier recommendations from July 11.
Justice Rajiv Shakdher of the Delhi High Court has been elevated as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. His term in this position will be brief, as he is set to retire on October 18. Justice Shakdher succeeds Justice M S Ramachandra Rao, who has been transferred to the Jharkhand High Court.
Justice Rao’s transfer follows a petition by the Jharkhand government to the Supreme Court, which addressed delays in his appointment. Post Justice Shakdher’s retirement, the Collegium has recommended Justice G S Sandhawalia to take over as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, subject to approval by the Centre.
In Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Justice Tashi Rabstan has been appointed as the new Chief Justice. His appointment is historic, as he becomes the first individual from the Ladakh region to hold this esteemed position. The Supreme Court Collegium highlighted that Ladakh has had minimal representation among high court judges, making this a landmark moment for the region.
Additionally, Justice Nitin Madhukar Jamdar of the Bombay High Court has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court, while his colleague, Justice K R Shriram, will now serve as the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court.
Justice Indra Prasanna Mukerji of the Calcutta High Court has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court, and Justice Suresh Kumar Kait from the Delhi High Court will now take charge as the Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
Furthermore, as part of this restructuring, three judicial officers have been elevated as additional judges in the Madras High Court.
These transfers and appointments bring fresh leadership to various high courts, aiming to enhance judicial efficiency and ensure representation for previously underrepresented regions.
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