Centre Appoints New Chief Justices for Kerala, Patna and Meghalaya High Courts

The Union government has approved key judicial appointments and transfers involving three High Courts in India. Acting on the recommendations of the Supreme Court Collegium, the Centre has notified new Chief Justices for the Kerala, Patna and Meghalaya High Courts, ensuring leadership continuity and smooth functioning of the higher judiciary.

Why in the News?

The Centre has notified the appointment and transfer of Chief Justices for three High Courts of Kerala, Patna and Meghalaya, Which is following recommendations made by the Supreme Court Collegium headed by the Chief Justice of India in December 2025.

Constitutional Basis for Appointments

• The appointments and transfers have been made under Article 222 and Article 217 of the Constitution of India.
• Article 222 empowers the President to transfer High Court judges after consultation with the Chief Justice of India.
• While Article 217 governs the appointment of High Court judges, including Chief Justices.

New Chief Justice of Kerala High Court

• Justice Soumen Sen, currently serving as Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court, has been transferred and appointed as the Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court.
• He will assume charge after the retirement of incumbent Chief Justice Nitin Madhukar Jamdar on January 9, 2026.

Appointment of Chief Justice of Patna High Court

• 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 takes effect from the date he assumes charge, strengthening judicial leadership in Bihar.

New Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court

• Following the transfer of Justice Soumen Sen, Justice Revati Prashant Mohite Dere, a judge of the Bombay High Court, has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court.
• This ensures continuity in judicial administration in the northeastern state.

Role of the Supreme Court Collegium

• The recommendations were made by the Supreme Court Collegium headed by Surya Kant during its meeting on December 18, 2025.
• The Collegium system plays a central role in judicial appointments, aiming to preserve the independence of the judiciary while ensuring merit-based elevations and transfers.

Appointment of HC Judges

• Under Article 217 of the Constitution, It states that the Judge of a High Court shall be appointed by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI), the Governor of the State.
• In the case of appointment of a Judge other than the Chief Justice, the Chief Justice of the High Court is consulted.

Consultation Process

• High Court judges are recommended by a Collegium comprising the CJI and two senior most judges.
• The proposal, however, is initiated by the Chief Justice of the High Court concerned in consultation with two senior most colleagues.
• The recommendation is sent to the Chief Minister, who advises the Governor to send the proposal to the Union Law Minister.
• The Chief Justice of the High Court is appointed as per the policy of having Chief Justices from outside the respective States.
• The Collegium takes the call for on the elevation.

Key Summary At Glance

Aspect	Details`
Why in news?	Centre notified new Chief Justices for three High Courts
Kerala High Court	CJ Justice Soumen Sen
Patna High Court	CJ Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo
Meghalaya High Court	CJ Justice Revati Prashant Mohite Dere
Constitutional Articles Related to Appointment	Articles 222 and 217

Question

Q. Under which Article of the Constitution is the transfer of a High Court Chief Justice carried out?

A. Article 124
B. Article 217
C. Article 222
D. Article 226