Dehradun: In a significant judicial transition at the Uttarakhand High Court, Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta was administered the oath of office as the new Chief Justice on Saturday, January 10, 2026.
The oath was administered by the Governor of Uttarakhand, Lieutenant General (Retd.) Gurmit Singh in a formal ceremony held at the High Court premises in Dehradun.
Justice Gupta assumes the helm of the Uttarakhand judiciary following the retirement of Chief Justice Guhanathan Narendar, who demitted office on January 9, 2026, upon reaching the age of superannuation.
Judicial Leadership Change in Uttarakhand
The appointment marks a continuation of constitutional practice in the Indian judiciary.
The Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, recommended Justice Gupta for elevation on December 18, 2025. Subsequently, the Central Government issued a notification on January 8, 2026, approving his appointment effective from the date he assumes charge after the incumbent’s retirement.
Justice Gupta, as the senior-most judge after the Chief Justice at the time, was a natural choice for elevation, reflecting both his judicial experience and administrative competence.
Who Is Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta?
Born on October 9, 1964, Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta has had a distinguished career in law and judiciary:
Legal Education: He graduated in law (LL.B.) from Lucknow University in 1987 and enrolled as an advocate on December 6, 1987.
Legal Practice: Justice Gupta practised primarily in Civil Law, Rent Control, and Constitutional matters, gaining extensive courtroom experience over several years.
Judicial Career:
- Elevated as an Additional Judge of the Allahabad High Court on April 12, 2013.
- Confirmed as a Permanent Judge on April 10, 2015.
- Served as Acting Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court in 2023.
After decades of service at the Allahabad High Court — one of India’s oldest and most prestigious high courts — Justice Gupta’s elevation to Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court is a testament to his legal acumen and deep judicial experience.
Ceremony and Formalities to Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta Swearing-in Ceremony
The swearing-in ceremony on January 10 witnessed the presence of senior judicial officers, members of the Uttarakhand Bar, administrative officials, and legal dignitaries.
The formal oath was administered by Governor Gurmit Singh, after which Justice Gupta assumed his duties.
This leadership change comes at a pivotal moment for the Uttarakhand judiciary, which continues to handle complex legal matters ranging from environmental litigation to governance and public interest cases.
The transition is seen as smooth and well-coordinated, reflecting institutional stability within the Indian legal framework.
Context: Supreme Court Collegium and Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta Appointment
India’s judicial appointment process for higher judiciary posts, including Chief Justices of High Courts, is led by the Supreme Court Collegium system — an internal judiciary body responsible for recommending judicial appointments.
While not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, this system has evolved through judicial interpretation and precedent to safeguard judicial independence.
In December 2025, the Collegium recommended new Chief Justices for several High Courts across India, including Uttarakhand, Meghalaya, Jharkhand, Sikkim, and Patna.
Justice Gupta’s recommendation was part of this broader judicial reshuffle designed to fill vacancies due to retirements and transfers.
About the Uttarakhand High Court
Established in 2000 following the creation of Uttarakhand as a separate state, the Uttarakhand High Court, located in Nainital, serves as the highest judicial authority in the state. It hears appeals and cases pertaining to constitutional rights, civil and criminal matters, and acts as a guardian of fundamental rights in the state.
