The Supreme Court Collegium, in its meeting held on February 26, 2026, has recommended the appointment of new Chief Justices for the Madras and Andhra Pradesh High Courts. Notably, the Collegium also announced a significant policy shift aimed at improving judicial administration by transferring prospective Chief Justices to their new High Courts well in advance of the vacancy.
The Collegium, headed by the Chief Justice of India, has recommended Mr. Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari as the next Chief Justice of the Madras High Court. Justice Dharmadhikari is currently serving as a Judge of the High Court of Kerala, with his Parent High Court being Madhya Pradesh.
This recommendation follows the impending retirement of the incumbent Chief Justice of the Madras High Court on March 5, 2026.
Policy Decision on Judicial Efficiency
In a move to “strengthen the efficiency and quality of administration of justice,” the Collegium has formally adopted a policy to transfer judges proposed for elevation as Chief Justices ahead of time. The statement explains:
“The Collegium has taken a policy decision that… a Judge who is proposed to take over the High Court as its Chief Justice may be transferred well in advance, preferably two months before the vacancy arises, so that such recommendee in the meantime becomes well conversant with the affairs of that High Court and assumes charge of the office of Chief Justice, on the retirement of incumbent Chief Justice.”
Andhra Pradesh High Court Recommendation
Invoking this new policy, the Collegium has resolved to recommend the transfer of Ms. Justice Lisa Gill, currently a Judge at the High Court of Punjab and Haryana, to the High Court of Andhra Pradesh.
Upon her transfer, she is to be appointed as the Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court with effect from the date the vacancy arises. This strategic move is intended to allow Justice Gill time to familiarize herself with the administrative and judicial landscape of the Andhra Pradesh High Court before formally assuming the top post.
The recommendations now await the formal approval and notification by the Central Government.
