The Union government has confirmed significant judicial appointments and transfers affecting three High Courts in India. Following the recommendations from the Supreme Court Collegium, the Centre has officially notified new Chief Justices for the Kerala, Patna, and Meghalaya High Courts. This action aims to ensure continuity in leadership and the effective functioning of the higher judiciary.
The recent notifications regarding the appointments and transfers of Chief Justices for the Kerala, Patna, and Meghalaya High Courts were made based on the Supreme Court Collegium's recommendations. This decision, made in December 2025, emphasizes the importance of judicial leadership in maintaining the integrity of the legal system.
The appointments and transfers are conducted under Article 222 and Article 217 of the Constitution of India. Article 222 grants the President the authority to transfer High Court judges after consulting with the Chief Justice of India. Meanwhile, Article 217 outlines the process for appointing High Court judges, including Chief Justices.
Justice Soumen Sen, who previously served as the Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court, has been appointed as the new Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court. He is set to take charge following the retirement of the current Chief Justice, Nitin Madhukar Jamdar, on January 9, 2026. This transition is crucial for maintaining robust judicial oversight in Kerala.
Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo, a sitting judge of the Orissa High Court, has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Patna High Court. His appointment will commence from the date he assumes office, which reinforces judicial leadership in Bihar.
Following Justice Soumen Sen's transfer, Justice Revati Prashant Mohite Dere, currently a judge of the Bombay High Court, has been appointed Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court. This appointment ensures continued stability in judicial administration in the northeastern state.
The recommendations for these appointments were made by the Supreme Court Collegium, led by Surya Kant, during its meeting on December 18, 2025. The Collegium system is essential for judicial appointments, aimed at preserving the independence of the judiciary while ensuring merit-based promotions and transfers.
According to Article 217, the President appoints High Court judges after consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and the Governor of the state. For appointments of judges other than the Chief Justice, the Chief Justice of the respective High Court is also consulted.
The Collegium, which consists of the CJI and the two senior-most judges, recommends High Court judges. The proposal is initiated by the Chief Justice of the relevant High Court in consultation with two of their senior colleagues. Subsequently, the recommendation is forwarded to the Chief Minister, who then advises the Governor to send the proposal to the Union Law Minister. The policy encourages appointing Chief Justices from outside the respective states, demonstrating a commitment to a balanced judicial system.
Q1. What is the role of the Supreme Court Collegium in judicial appointments?
Answer: The Supreme Court Collegium is responsible for recommending judicial appointments and transfers, ensuring the independence of the judiciary while prioritizing merit-based selections.
Q2. Under which articles are High Court judges appointed in India?
Answer: High Court judges in India are appointed under Article 217 and Article 222 of the Constitution, outlining the roles of the President and consultation processes.
Q3. Who will assume charge as Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court?
Answer: Justice Soumen Sen will take over as the Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court after Justice Nitin Madhukar Jamdar retires on January 9, 2026.
Q4. What changes occurred in the Meghalaya High Court leadership?
Answer: Justice Revati Prashant Mohite Dere has been appointed Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court following the transfer of Justice Soumen Sen.
Q5. How is the recommendation process initiated for High Court judges?
Answer: The recommendation process begins with the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court, who consults with two senior judges before forwarding it to the Chief Minister.
Question 1: What is the function of the Supreme Court Collegium?
A) To appoint government officials
B) To recommend judicial appointments and transfers
C) To legislate laws
D) To oversee elections
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which article empowers the President to transfer High Court judges?
A) Article 220
B) Article 217
C) Article 222
D) Article 224
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: Who appointed Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo as Chief Justice of Patna High Court?
A) The Governor
B) The President
C) The Chief Minister
D) The Chief Justice of India
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What position did Justice Soumen Sen hold before being appointed in Kerala?
A) Chief Justice of Patna High Court
B) Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court
C) Judge of the Supreme Court
D) Chief Justice of Delhi High Court
Correct Answer: B
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