In a significant judicial appointment, Justice Mahesh Sharadchandra Sonak has been named as the next Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court. The appointment was officially notified by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice on Friday.
Transition of Leadership in Jharkhand
Justice Sonak will take over the reins from the incumbent Chief Justice, Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, who is set to demit office on January 8, 2024. Justice Chauhan's retirement comes upon his attainment of the age of 62 years, which is the standard retirement age for judges serving in India's high courts.
The new Chief Justice brings with him a wealth of experience from the Bombay High Court bench. Justice Mahesh Sonak was appointed as a judge of the Bombay High Court on June 21, 2013. His current tenure is scheduled to continue until his retirement on November 27, 2026.
Collegium Recommendation and Other Appointments
The appointment follows the recommendation made by the Supreme Court Collegium last month. The Collegium, headed by the Chief Justice of India, is responsible for recommending appointments and transfers of judges to the higher judiciary. In its same meeting, the Collegium had also recommended the names of four other judges to head various high courts across the country.
In a separate but related development, the law ministry's notification also confirmed the appointment of two judicial officers as additional judges. Ramesh Chander Dimri and Neerja Kulwant Kalson have been appointed as additional judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Their names were similarly recommended by the top court collegium in December.
It is standard practice for additional judges to be appointed for an initial period of two years. Following this probationary period, they are typically elevated to the position of permanent judges within the high court.
A New Chapter for Jharkhand Judiciary
The appointment of Justice Sonak marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Jharkhand High Court, which is located in Ranchi. The high court plays a crucial role in the administration of justice in the state. Justice Sonak's extensive experience on the Bombay High Court bench is expected to guide the Jharkhand judiciary in the coming years.
This move is part of the ongoing process of filling top judicial positions across India's 25 high courts, ensuring continuity and stability in the nation's legal framework.
