Guwahati: In a significant move bolstering the nation’s judicial landscape, Justice Ashutosh Kumar has been appointed as the new Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court. Previously holding the reins as Acting Chief Justice of the Patna High Court, Justice Kumar’s elevation is among a slew of key judicial appointments and transfers announced by the government on July 11.
The appointments, sanctioned by President Droupadi Murmu, were officially communicated through a Press Communique from the Ministry of Law and Justice. The wave of changes also sees four Chief Justices of various High Courts being transferred to new jurisdictions, alongside the elevation of five judges to the coveted Chief Justice positions.
In other notable appointments, Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, who had been serving as the Acting Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, will now assume the full responsibility as Chief Justice of the same court. Justice Vibhu Bakhru, a distinguished judge of the Delhi High Court, has been entrusted with the role of Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court. Meanwhile, Justice Vipul Manubhai Pancholi, a judge from the Patna High Court, is set to take charge as its Chief Justice. Furthermore, Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, a judge in the Himachal Pradesh High Court, has been designated as Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court.
The comprehensive reshuffle also includes the transfer of several incumbent Chief Justices. Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava, previously the Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court, will now take on this role at the Madras High Court. Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh has been transferred as Chief Justice from Tripura to the Telangana High Court. Additionally, Justice MS Ramachandra Rao, who was serving as the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court, will now assume this role in the Tripura High Court. Lastly, Justice K.R. Shriram, who held the position of Chief Justice in the Madras High Court, has been transferred to the Rajasthan High Court. These judicial elevations and transfers align perfectly with the recommendations put forth by the Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, on May 26, 2025, underscoring a strategic push to reinforce leadership and enhance the overall efficiency of India’s higher judiciary.
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