Justice Ashutosh Kumar Appointed as Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court

Justice Ashutosh Kumar has been appointed as the new Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court as part of a comprehensive judicial reshuffle announced by the Government of India on July 11, 2025. This reshuffle includes the elevation of five judges from different High Courts to the position of Chief Justice and the transfer of four existing Chief Justices to new High Courts. The appointments were officially confirmed by a Press Communique from the Ministry of Law and Justice and were approved by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. These changes align with the recommendations made by the Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, on May 26, 2025.

Justice Kumar, who was serving as the acting Chief Justice of the Patna High Court, has now been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court. His elevation is aimed at strengthening the leadership and judicial efficiency of the High Court, a crucial legal institution serving the northeastern region of India.

In addition to Justice Kumar's appointment, several other judicial promotions and transfers were announced. Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, who was the acting Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, has been elevated as the permanent Chief Justice of the same court. Justice Vibhu Bakhru, previously a judge in the Delhi High Court, has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court. Justice Vipul Manubhai Pancholi, a judge in the Patna High Court, has been promoted to serve as its Chief Justice.

Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan from the Himachal Pradesh High Court has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court, further contributing to the reshaping of India’s higher judiciary.

In terms of transfers, Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava, formerly the Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court, has now been moved to serve as the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court. Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh has been transferred from the Tripura High Court to the Telangana High Court. Justice MS Ramachandra Rao, the former Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court, will now assume the role of Chief Justice at the Tripura High Court.

Justice K.R. Shriram, previously serving as the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, has been shifted to the Rajasthan High Court. Additionally, Justice Lanusungkum Jamir, who was acting as Chief Justice at the Gauhati High Court, has been transferred to the Calcutta High Court. Justice Suman Shyam has also been moved from the Gauhati High Court to the Bombay High Court.

This large-scale judicial reshuffle aims to enhance the operational effectiveness and leadership within India’s High Courts. By ensuring strategic placements and elevations, the judiciary hopes to address regional legal needs more efficiently and maintain the integrity of the judicial system. These appointments and transfers are seen as part of ongoing efforts to ensure that India’s higher judiciary remains responsive, transparent, and effective in administering justice across the country.