SC Collegium Recommends Appointment Of New Chief Justices To 5 High Courts & Transfer Of One CJ To Another HC
Chief Justice of Meghalaya HC has been proposed to be transferred to the Kerala HC.
The Supreme Court Collegium on Thursday, December 18, 2025, recommended the appointment of five High Court judges as Chief Justices of different High Courts, to fill vacancies arising from retirements and transfers.
The recommendations were made during a meeting of the Collegium held on December 18 and are subject to approval by the Union Government.
As per the Collegium's decision, Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta, presently serving as a Judge of the Allahabad High Court, has been recommended for appointment as the Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court. The vacancy will arise following the retirement of the incumbent Chief Justice on January 9, 2026.
The Collegium has also recommended Justice Revati P. Mohite Dere, a Judge of the Bombay High Court, to be appointed as the Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court. This recommendation has been made consequent upon the proposed transfer of the incumbent Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court.
Another Judge of the Bombay High Court, Justice M.S. Sonak, has been recommended for appointment as the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court. The post is set to fall vacant due to the retirement of the present Chief Justice on January 8, 2026.
Further, the Collegium has recommended Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque, currently a Judge of the Kerala High Court, for appointment as the Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court.
The fifth recommendation pertains to Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo, a Judge of the Orissa High Court, who has been proposed to be elevated as the Chief Justice of the Patna High Court.
The Supreme Court Collegium also recommended transfer of Justice Soumen Sen, Chief Justice, High Court of Meghalaya as Chief Justice, High Court of Kerala, consequent upon retirement of incumbent Chief Justice on 9th January, 2026