SC Collegium Recommends Justice S.A. Dharmadhikari As Madras High Court Chief Justice; Justice Lisa Gill For Andhra Pradesh HC
The Supreme Court Collegium, in its meeting held on February 26, 2026, has recommended the appointment of Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari, presently 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 impending retirement of the incumbent Chief Justice on March 5, 2026.
The Collegium has also recommended the transfer of Justice Lisa Gill, Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, to the Andhra Pradesh High Court for her appointment as Chief Justice. Her appointment will take effect from the date the vacancy arises.
The Collegium noted that it has taken a policy decision aimed at strengthening the efficiency and quality of judicial administration. Under this policy, a judge proposed to be appointed as Chief Justice may be transferred to the concerned High Court well in advance, preferably about two months before the vacancy arises. This is intended to enable the judge to become familiar with the functioning and administrative requirements of the High Court before assuming charge as Chief Justice.
Acting in accordance with this policy, the Collegium recommended Justice Gill's transfer to the Andhra Pradesh High Court ahead of her proposed elevation as Chief Justice. Justice Dharmadhikari's appointment as Chief Justice of the Madras High Court has been recommended consequent to the upcoming vacancy.