February 27, 2026 : The Supreme Court collegium has adopted a new policy aimed at ensuring smoother transitions in High Courts across the country. According to the decision, a judge who is proposed to take over as Chief Justice of a High Court may be transferred to that High Court well in advance, preferably about two months before the post falls vacant.

The collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, said this approach will allow the incoming Chief Justice-designate to become familiar with the functioning, administrative setup, and pending matters of the concerned High Court. By the time the sitting Chief Justice retires, the transferred judge would be fully prepared to assume charge without disruption.

In the same meeting, the collegium also recommended the appointment of Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari, currently a judge of the Kerala High Court, as the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court. The recommendation comes in view of the retirement of the present Chief Justice of the Madras High Court on the 5th of next month.

The move is seen as a step toward strengthening institutional continuity and improving administrative efficiency within the High Courts.