NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court Collegium has on Thursday recommended five senior judges to be appointed as Chief Justices in Uttarakhand, Meghalaya, Jharkhand, Sikkim, and Patna High Courts. This key judicial leadership development seeks to reinforce the judicial framework and ensure continuity ahead of retirements.
The Collegium decisions were officially released in a statement on the Supreme Court’s website and forwarded to the Union Government for formal action.
This marks one of the first major judicial leadership decisions under the tenure of CJI Surya Kant, who assumed office in November 2025, taking over from his predecessor and continuing reforms aimed at judiciary efficiency and constitutional integrity.
The Collegium has recommended the following judicial leaders:
1. Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta – Chief Justice, Uttarakhand High Court: Justice Gupta, currently serving at the Allahabad High Court, is recommended to be appointed as Chief Justice of Uttarakhand High Court. This elevation is in view of the expected retirement of the current Chief Justice in January 2026.
2. Justice Revati P. Mohite Dere – Chief Justice, Meghalaya High Court: Justice Revati P. Mohite Dere from Bombay High Court is slated to become the Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court. Her appointment follows the transfer of the incumbent Chief Justice.
3. Justice M.S. Sonak – Chief Justice, Jharkhand High Court: Justice M.S. Sonak, also from the Bombay High Court, has been recommended for appointment as Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court. This move anticipates the upcoming vacancy in early January 2026.
4. Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque – Chief Justice, Sikkim High Court: Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque of Kerala High Court is recommended for elevation as Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court.
5. Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo – Chief Justice, Patna High Court: From the Orissa High Court, Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo is recommended to preside over the Patna High Court as its Chief Justice.
These recommendations reflect a carefully calibrated leadership rotation across eastern, northern, and northeastern judicial territories.
