The Central Government has formally appointed Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari as the next Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, effective immediately upon assuming office. The move comes as the current Chief Justice, Justice M.M. Shrivastava, retires today, marking a key leadership transition in one of India’s oldest high courts.
Justice Dharmadhikari, originally from the Madhya Pradesh High Court, currently serves as a judge at the Kerala High Court, where he was transferred in April 2025. His appointment follows a recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium last week and comes after due consultation with the Chief Justice of India, under the powers vested in the President of India. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal confirmed the notification and extended his best wishes on social media. The appointment positions Justice Dharmadhikari to lead the Madras High Court at a pivotal time, ensuring continuity as the outgoing Chief Justice retires.
The government emphasized the constitutional process in the appointment, noting, “In exercise of the power conferred by the Constitution of India, the President of India, after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari…to be the Chief Justice of the High Court of Madras with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office.” Justice Dharmadhikari will assume full administrative and judicial responsibilities of the High Court immediately upon taking charge.
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