All High Courts Get Permanent Chief Justices
For the first time in recent months, every single High Court in India is being led by a full-time Chief Justice. The Central government recently cleared eight key recommendations made by the Supreme Court Collegium. This move ends a period where nearly a third of India’s 25 High Courts were running under acting heads.
The shortage of permanent leaders started due to routine retirements and transfers. It also happened because the Central government expanded the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court from 33 to 37 judges through the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Act, 2026. This legislative change led to four High Court Chief Justices being elevated to the apex court all at once, creating sudden vacancies.
The Role of the Supreme Court Collegium
Under the Indian legal system, the appointment and transfer of judges to High Courts and the Supreme Court are managed through the Collegium system. The Supreme Court Collegium consists of the Chief Justice of India and senior-most judges who recommend names to the executive branch for formal appointment.
Following meetings in August, the Collegium issued crucial recommendations to fill the vacant posts. These included moving judges across different states to take charge as permanent Chief Justices. For instance, Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra was recommended for the Punjab and Haryana High Court, while Justice V Kameswar Rao was designated for the Patna High Court.
Controversies and Executive Clearance
The appointment process also navigated through regional and administrative friction. Notably, the Punjab government opposed the appointment of Justice Mishra on the grounds that the state government’s consultation process was bypassed. Despite this, the oath of office was administered.
Administrative turbulence had also hit the Rajasthan High Court, where lawyers protested against the acting head following internal administrative concerns raised by a Supreme Court judge. To resolve the administrative deadlock, the Collegium recommended Chhattisgarh High Court judge Justice Sanjay K Agrawal as the new Chief Justice of Rajasthan. The Central government swiftly notified these names, and all appointed judges have officially assumed office.
What Happens Next
With the current vacancies filled, the judicial administration of all High Courts is expected to run smoothly. However, the system faces continuous rotations. At least three more changes are expected in 2026 due to the scheduled retirements of the Chief Justices of the Orissa, Jharkhand, and Uttarakhand High Courts.
Why This Matters For You
A permanent Chief Justice is essential for the smooth functioning of a High Court. Permanent heads manage case listings, administrative rosters, and judicial discipline, which directly impacts how fast your cases get heard and resolved in court.
Takeaway: A fully staffed judicial leadership ensures that courts across India can tackle pending cases with administrative stability and clear direction.
Story reported by Barandbench. This article is BareLaw’s independent explanation and analysis.
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