New Delhi, India – On 18 December 2025, the Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, met and approved recommendations for the appointment of five senior judges as Chief Justices of High Courts in India. The Collegium decisions were officially released in a statement on the Supreme Court’s website and forwarded to the Union Government for formal action.
This marks one of the first major judicial leadership decisions under the tenure of CJI Surya Kant, who assumed office in November 2025, taking over from his predecessor and continuing reforms aimed at judiciary efficiency and constitutional integrity.
Background of Supreme Court Collegium System
The Collegium System is a judicial appointment mechanism evolved through Supreme Court judgments rather than explicit constitutional text. It involves senior judges recommending appointments, transfers, and elevations of judges in High Courts and the Supreme Court. Typically, the Collegium comprises the Chief Justice of India and the four senior-most Supreme Court judges.
Once the Collegium finalizes names, the recommendations are sent to the Union Government — which examines them constitutionally — and upon approval, formal appointment notifications follow.
Who’s Being Elevated and Where
The Collegium has recommended the following judicial leaders:
1. Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta – Chief Justice, Uttarakhand High Court: Justice Gupta, currently serving at the Allahabad High Court, is recommended to be appointed as Chief Justice of Uttarakhand High Court. This elevation is in view of the expected retirement of the current Chief Justice in January 2026.
2. Justice Revati P. Mohite Dere – Chief Justice, Meghalaya High Court: Justice Revati P. Mohite Dere from Bombay High Court is slated to become the Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court. Her appointment follows the transfer of the incumbent Chief Justice.
3. Justice M.S. Sonak – Chief Justice, Jharkhand High Court: Justice M.S. Sonak, also from the Bombay High Court, has been recommended for appointment as Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court. This move anticipates the upcoming vacancy in early January 2026.
4. Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque – Chief Justice, Sikkim High Court: Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque of Kerala High Court is recommended for elevation as Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court.
5. Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo – Chief Justice, Patna High Court: From the Orissa High Court, Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo is recommended to preside over the Patna High Court as its Chief Justice.
These recommendations reflect a carefully calibrated leadership rotation across eastern, northern, and northeastern judicial territories.
