Justice M Sundar Appointed Chief Justice of Manipur High Court

Justice M Sundar has been appointed as the new Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court, following a decision announced by the Law Ministry on Sunday. This elevation comes as Justice Kempaiah Somashekar, the current Chief Justice, retires after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 62 for High Court judges.

Justice Sundar previously served on the bench of the Madras High Court and will take on his new role immediately after Chief Justice Somashekar’s retirement. This change in leadership marks a significant transition within the judiciary of Manipur, a state in northeastern India.

The appointment follows a recommendation from the Supreme Court collegium, which suggested the elevation of three judges to the position of Chief Justice in various High Courts. Alongside Justice Sundar, the collegium recommended Justice Pavankumar B Bajanthri from the Karnataka High Court as Chief Justice of the Patna High Court, where he is currently serving as acting Chief Justice. Furthermore, Justice Soumen Sen from the Calcutta High Court has been proposed for the role of Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court.

Judicial Leadership Changes Across Indian High Courts

The elevation of Justice Sundar reflects ongoing changes within India’s judicial system, aimed at ensuring effective judicial leadership. Judges of the High Court, including those in Manipur, are required to retire upon reaching the age of 62, while judges of the Supreme Court serve until the age of 65.

This recent reshuffling highlights the Supreme Court’s role in managing judicial appointments and maintaining the integrity of the justice system. The collegium’s recommendations are considered significant, as they directly influence the functioning of High Courts across the country.

Justice Sundar is expected to bring his extensive legal expertise to the Manipur High Court, where he will oversee a range of legal matters impacting the region. His previous experience in the Madras High Court positions him well to navigate the complexities of law and justice in Manipur.

As the judiciary continues to evolve, these appointments are crucial in shaping the legal landscape of India. The transition of leadership within the High Courts is not only a procedural change but also a pivotal moment for the administration of justice in the respective states.