New Delhi/Bhopal: The Central Government on Thursday notified the appointment of Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva as the Acting Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, effective May 24, following the retirement of Chief Justice Suresh Kumar Kait on May 23.
The Ministry of Law and Justice issued the notification under Article 223 of the Constitution of India, which empowers the President to appoint an acting chief justice when the office becomes vacant.
The official notification read – “In exercise of the power conferred by Article 223 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, Judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, to perform the duties of the office of the Chief Justice of that High Court with effect from 24.05.2025 consequent upon the retirement of Shri Justice Suresh Kumar Kait, Chief Justice, Madhya Pradesh High Court on 23.05.2025.”
A Distinguished Legal Journey
Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva brings a wealth of legal and judicial experience to his new role. After enrolling with the Bar Council of Delhi in 1988, he practiced extensively before the Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, and subordinate courts in the national capital.
By 1995, he had earned the designation of Advocate-on-Record at the Supreme Court- a significant milestone in legal practice. Over the years, he served as Standing Counsel for the Bar Council of India for more than two decades and as Senior Panel Lawyer for the Union of India, representing the Centre in several high-profile cases.
In July 2011, the Delhi High Court recognized his contributions by designating him a Senior Advocate. Two years later, in April 2013, he was elevated as an Additional Judge of the Delhi High Court and became a permanent judge in March 2015.
Justice Sachdeva was transferred to the Madhya Pradesh High Court on May 30, 2024, and has since played a key role in adjudicating significant matters in the state judiciary.
Steady Leadership Ahead
As he steps into the role of Acting Chief Justice, Justice Sachdeva is expected to provide continuity, administrative stability, and judicial leadership at a time of ongoing judicial appointments and policy reforms across India’s high courts. His tenure will be closely watched as the Madhya Pradesh High Court prepares for a substantive appointment to its top judicial post.
