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Case Overview

Case Name: In Re: Appointment and Transfer of Chief Justices of High Courts

The Central Government has notified the appointment and transfer of Chief Justices of 3 High Courts, acting on recommendations made by the Supreme Court Collegium in December . The notifications include the transfer of Justice Soumen Sen, currently Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court, to the Kerala High Court, effective after the retirement of the incumbent Chief Justice on January 9, 2026 .

Further, Justice Revati P Mohite Dere, Judge of the Bombay High Court, has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court . Additionally, Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo, Judge of the Orissa High Court has been elevated and appointed as the Chief Justice of the Patna High Court .

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Key Aspects

The notifications form part of routine judicial appointments and transfers aimed at maintaining administrative efficiency and continuity within the higher judiciary .

• Justice Soumen Sen transferred from Meghalaya High Court to Kerala High Court .
• Justice Revati P Mohite Dere appointed Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court .
• Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo elevated as Chief Justice of Patna High Court .
• Three Collegium-recommended names still pending approval with the Centre .

Legal Insights

Judicial appointments and transfers are governed by constitutional provisions and the established Collegium system, ensuring judicial independence and administrative balance .

• Article 217– Appointments under Article 217, Constitution of India .
• Article 222– Transfer of Chief Justices under Article 222, Constitution of India .
• Binding effect of Supreme Court Collegium recommendations .
• Executive role limited to formal notification and appointment .

Court’s Verdict

There is no adjudicatory verdict in the present matter. The Centre’s notifications give effect to the Supreme Court Collegium’s recommendations finalising the appointments and transfer . However, recommendations concerning Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta, Justice MS Sonak and Justice A Muhamed Mustaque remain pending with the Central Government .

Source – Supreme Court of India 

Read also – Constitution of India

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