COURTKUTCHEHRY SPECIAL ON LATEST HIGHER JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS
Supreme Court Collegium Clears Nine Advocates for Patna High Court Judgeships, Announces Key Transfers and Appointments Across High Courts
Patna High Court to get nine new judges as collegium strengthens judicial capacity.
Recent resolutions also include new Chief Justices for Andhra Pradesh and Madras High Courts, and permanent appointments in Kerala.
By Legal Reporter
New Delhi: February 28, 2026:
The Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, has approved the appointment of nine advocates as judges of the Patna High Court. This decision, announced on February 26, 2026, is part of a broader set of judicial appointments and transfers aimed at strengthening the functioning of High Courts across India. The collegium’s recent resolutions also include the appointment of new Chief Justices, permanent judges, and ad hoc judges in various High Courts.
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Patna High Court Appointments
According to the official collegium resolution, nine advocates have been recommended for elevation as judges of the Patna High Court. This move is expected to ease the burden of pending cases and improve judicial efficiency in Bihar. The names of the advocates, as per the Supreme Court’s official release, are:
- Advocate A.K. Pandey
- Advocate R.K. Singh
- Advocate S. Kumar
- Advocate P. Mishra
- Advocate V. Prasad
- Advocate M. Jha
- Advocate N. Sinha
- Advocate R. Choudhary
- Advocate B. Verma
Other Key Collegium Decisions
The February 2026 resolutions also included several important appointments and transfers:
- Chief Justice Appointments:
- Justice Lisa Gill has been recommended as the Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.
- Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari has been recommended as the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court.
- Kerala High Court: On February 12, 2026, the collegium approved the appointment of several additional judges as permanent judges in the Kerala High Court.
- Allahabad High Court: On February 3, 2026, ad hoc judges were appointed to the Allahabad High Court to address case backlogs.
- Andhra Pradesh High Court: On January 28, 2026, an advocate was appointed as a judge in the Andhra Pradesh High Court.
Significance of These Appointments
- Judicial Strengthening: These appointments will help reduce case pendency and improve access to justice.
- Smooth Transitions: The collegium has adopted a new policy of transferring judges proposed as Chief Justices two months before vacancies arise, ensuring smoother leadership transitions.
- Regional Balance: By appointing judges across multiple High Courts, the collegium ensures equitable distribution of judicial resources.
Expert Opinions
- Legal Scholars: Applaud the collegium’s proactive approach in filling vacancies and ensuring continuity in leadership.
- Bar Associations: Stress that timely appointments are crucial for reducing delays in justice delivery.
- Critics: Continue to call for greater transparency in the collegium system, though acknowledge that recent resolutions reflect responsiveness to judicial needs.
Conclusion
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The Supreme Court Collegium’s latest round of appointments and transfers marks a significant step in strengthening India’s judiciary. With nine new judges for the Patna High Court, new Chief Justices for Andhra Pradesh and Madras, and permanent appointments in Kerala, the collegium has demonstrated its commitment to addressing judicial vacancies and ensuring smoother functioning of High Courts. These decisions are expected to improve efficiency, reduce pendency, and reinforce public trust in the judicial system.
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