SC Collegium Adopts New Policy To Ensure Incoming HC Chief Justices Are Available Before Incumbent's Retirement
The Supreme Court Collegium has adopted a new policy aimed at ensuring that incoming Chief Justices of High Courts are available in advance of the retirement of incumbent Chief Justices, so as to improve administrative continuity and efficiency in High Courts.
In a statement issued after its meeting held on February 26, 2026, the Collegium said it has decided that a judge proposed to take over as Chief Justice of a High Court may be transferred well in advance, preferably two months before the vacancy arises, so that the recommendee becomes conversant with the affairs of the High Court and can assume charge immediately upon the retirement of the incumbent Chief Justice.
The Collegium stated that the policy decision has been taken "to strengthen the efficiency and quality of administration of justice."
Justice Lisa Gill To Be Transferred To Andhra Pradesh High Court
Following the newly adopted policy, the Collegium resolved to recommend the transfer of Justice Lisa Gill from the Punjab and Haryana High Court to the Andhra Pradesh High Court.
She has been recommended for appointment as the Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court with effect from the date the vacancy arises.
The Collegium indicated that the advance transfer would enable Justice Gill to familiarise herself with the functioning and administrative requirements of the Andhra Pradesh High Court before assuming office as Chief Justice.
Pursuant to this decision, the Collegium has also recommended the appointment of Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari, currently a judge of the Kerala High Court (parent High Court: Madhya Pradesh), as the next Chief Justice of the Madras High Court.
The recommendation has been made in view of the retirement of the incumbent Chief Justice of the Madras High Court on March 5, 2026.