Supreme Court Collegium Proposes Key Judicial Appointments for Madras and Andhra Pradesh High Courts
In a significant development for India's judiciary, the Supreme Court collegium has put forward crucial recommendations for leadership positions in two prominent high courts. The collegium has formally recommended the appointment of Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari, currently serving as a judge at the Kerala High Court, as the next Chief Justice of the Madras High Court.
Filling the Impending Vacancy in Madras High Court
This recommendation comes as a direct consequence of the scheduled retirement of the current Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava, which is set for March 5. The collegium's decision aims to ensure a smooth transition of leadership at one of the country's most important judicial institutions.
New Policy for Timely Judicial Transfers
In its detailed statement, the collegium elaborated on a newly adopted policy designed to enhance administrative efficiency within the higher judiciary. This policy emphasizes that a judge who is proposed to take over as the Chief Justice of a high court should be transferred well in advance of the vacancy arising.
The preferred timeline, as outlined by the collegium, is approximately two months before the incumbent Chief Justice's retirement. This strategic approach allows the incoming judge sufficient time to become thoroughly familiar with the administrative and judicial affairs of the new high court. Consequently, the judge can assume charge seamlessly immediately upon the retirement of the outgoing Chief Justice, minimizing any potential disruption in court functioning.
Second Major Recommendation: Justice Lisa Gill for Andhra Pradesh HC
In line with this forward-looking policy, the collegium has also resolved to recommend another significant appointment. It has proposed the transfer of Justice Lisa Gill, a distinguished judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, to the Andhra Pradesh High Court. Furthermore, the collegium recommends her appointment as the Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.
This appointment is intended to take effect from the date of retirement of the present Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur, which is scheduled for April 24. The collegium's recommendations are now formally before the Union government, which is tasked with taking the appropriate final decision on these appointments.
Profile of Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari
Justice Dharmadhikari brings a wealth of experience to this proposed role. His judicial career is marked by a diverse trajectory:
- Early Career: Originally appointed as a judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, he was subsequently transferred to the Kerala High Court on April 23, 2025.
- Educational Background: A native of Raipur, he completed his academic foundation at Nagpur University, earning a Bachelor's degree in Commerce followed by a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree.
- Legal Practice: He enrolled as an advocate at the Jabalpur bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court in 1992.
- Notable Role: From 2000 to 2015, he served with distinction as the Standing Counsel for the Union of India, representing the government in legal matters.
- Judicial Ascension: His elevation to the bench began in 2016 when he was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. His appointment was made permanent in 2018, solidifying his position within the judiciary.
These collegium recommendations underscore a strategic effort to ensure experienced leadership and continuity in India's high courts, pending final approval from the central government.
