February 27, 2026 : The Supreme Court Collegium, in its meeting held on 26 February 2026, has recommended the appointment of Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari as the next Chief Justice of the Madras High Court. The recommendation comes in view of the retirement of the incumbent Chief Justice of the Madras High Court on 5 March 2026.
Justice Dharmadhikari is currently serving as a Judge of the High Court of Kerala, with his parent High Court being Madhya Pradesh. His elevation to head one of the country’s oldest and most significant High Courts marks an important administrative transition.
In the same meeting, the Collegium also took a broader policy decision aimed at improving the efficiency and quality of judicial administration. It resolved that a judge proposed to take over as Chief Justice of a High Court may be transferred well in advance, preferably two months before the vacancy arises. The objective is to ensure that the incoming Chief Justice becomes familiar with the functioning and affairs of the High Court before formally assuming office.
Acting in line with this new policy, the Collegium has recommended the transfer of Justice Lisa Gill from the High Court of Punjab and Haryana to the High Court of Andhra Pradesh. She has also been recommended for appointment as the Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, with effect from the date the vacancy arises.
The decisions reflect a structured approach by the Collegium to ensure smoother transitions in leadership across High Courts and to maintain continuity in judicial administration.
