Rajasthan HC and 3 other High Courts to get new Chief Justices: SC Collegium’s latest round of recommendations

The Supreme Court Collegium on 31 August 2026 notified recommendations for appointment of Chief Justices of four High Courts namely High Courts of Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

The Collegium led by CJI Surya Kant had recently assured that it is already working on filling the vacant positions of Chief Justice in several High Courts.

Chief Justice, Rajasthan High Court

In two separate notifications, the Collegium on 31 August 2026 not only notified the recommendation to transfer¹ Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal, Judge, High Court of Chhattisgarh, to Rajasthan High Court, but also his elevation as that High Court’s Chief Justice². Currently, Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma is the Acting Chief Justice of the High Court.

This recommendation assumes significance in the light of concerns raised by sitting Judge of Supreme Court of India, Justice Sandeep Mehta whereby the Chief Justice of India had assured that the concerns will be dealt with strictly through the established institutional mechanism.

Also read: “Allegations against a Sitting Judge must go through established institutional mechanism”: CJI Surya Kant takes note of concerns raised by Justice Sandeep Mehta.

Chief Justice, Chhattisgarh High Court

In a meeting held on 6 August 2026, the Supreme Court Collegium recommended appointment of Justice Krushna Ram Mohapatra, who is currently a Judge of Orissa High Court, as Chief Justice of Chhattisgarh High Court, consequent upon retirement of incumbent Chief Justice on 4 September 2026. The Supreme Court Collegium notified this recommendation on 31 August 2026³.

Chief Justice, Madhya Pradesh High Court

The Supreme Court Collegium on 31 August 2026 notified the recommendation to elevate Justice Alpesh Yeshvant Kogje, currently Judge of Gujarat High Court, as Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court⁴. Currently, Justice Vivek Rusia is the Acting Chief Justice of the High Court

Chief Justice, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court

In its meeting held on 31 August 2026, the Supreme Court Collegium recommended the elevation of Justice Dr. Pushpendra Singh Bhati, currently Judge of Rajasthan High Court, as Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh⁵. Currently, Justice Sanjeev Kumar is the Acting Chief Justice of the High Court.