Justice Sushrut Dharmadhikari Appointed Chief Justice of Madras High Court
In a significant judicial development, Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari, currently serving as a judge at the Kerala High Court, has been officially posted as the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court. This appointment marks a pivotal transition in the leadership of one of India's premier high courts.
Succession and Supreme Court Collegium Decision
Justice Dharmadhikari will succeed Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava, who is slated to attain superannuation on March 5, 2025. The recommendation for this appointment was made by the Supreme Court collegium during its meeting held on February 26, as confirmed in a statement released on Friday.
The collegium's statement elaborated on a new policy decision aimed at enhancing the efficiency and quality of judicial administration. It emphasized that judges proposed to take over as Chief Justices of high courts should be transferred well in advance, preferably two months before the vacancy arises. This strategic move is designed to ensure that the incoming Chief Justice becomes thoroughly conversant with the affairs of the high court and can seamlessly assume charge upon the retirement of the incumbent.
Background and Career Highlights of Justice Dharmadhikari
Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari was born on July 8, 1966, in Raipur, which is now a district in Chhattisgarh. He pursued his higher education at Nagpur University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in commerce and law, laying a strong foundation for his legal career.
His professional journey began when he was enrolled as an advocate at Jabalpur in 1992. Over the years, Justice Dharmadhikari has held several prestigious positions, including:
- Standing Counsel for the Union Government: From 2000 to 2015, he represented the Income Tax Department and the Reserve Bank of India, showcasing his expertise in financial and governmental matters.
- Senior Standing Counsel: He served for central excise, district central co-operative banks, and various public sector undertakings, demonstrating his versatility across different legal domains.
- Welfare Commissioner for Bhopal Gas Victims: In this role, he contributed to critical social justice initiatives, highlighting his commitment to public welfare.
Justice Dharmadhikari's judicial career advanced when he was appointed as an additional judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on April 7, 2016. He was subsequently made a permanent judge on March 17, 2018. On April 23, 2025, he was transferred to the Kerala High Court, where he currently ranks fifth in seniority.
Recent Judicial Involvement
In a notable recent case, Justice Dharmadhikari was part of the division bench that vacated the interim stay on the movie 'Kerala Story 2 - Goes Beyond' on Friday. This decision underscores his active role in handling high-profile legal matters and his influence in the judicial landscape.
The appointment of Justice Dharmadhikari is expected to bring a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the Madras High Court, aligning with the collegium's goal of strengthening judicial administration through timely and strategic transitions.
