In a series of notifications issued on 5 September 2026, the Department of Justice notified the appointments of Chief Justices for 8 High Courts. The President made the appointments in exercise of power under Article 217(1) of the Constitution. These appointments assume significance due to recent reassurance expressed by CJI Surya Kant qua filling the vacant positions of Chief Justice in several High Courts. The appointed names are as follows:
Rajasthan High Court
The President appointed Justice Sanjay Kumar Agrawal, as Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court. He was recently appointed as Acting Chief Justice of Chhattisgarh High Court after retirement of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha.
In two separate notifications, the SC Collegium on 31 August 2026 had notified the recommendation to transfer Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal, to Rajasthan High Court, and also his elevation as that High Court’s Chief Justice. This recommendation assumed 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.
Bombay High Court
The President appointed Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi, Judge, Allahabad HC as Chief Justice of Bombay High Court. Justice Tripathi’s elevation was recommended by the SC Collegium on 6 August 2026.
Calcutta High Court
The President appointed Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Gughe, Judge Bombay High Court, as Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court. The SC Collegium on 6 August 2026 had recommended his elevation for the post of Chief Justice.
Chhattisgarh High Court
The President appointed Justice Krushna Ram Mohapatra as Chief Justice of Chhattisgarh High Court. In a meeting held on 6 August 2026, the Supreme Court Collegium recommended his appointment 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 2026.
Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court
The President appointed Justice Dr. Pushpendra Singh Bhati, Judge, Rajasthan HC, as Chief Justice of J&K and Ladakh High Court. The SC Collegium recommended Justice Dr. Bhati’s elevation as Chief Justice on 31 August 2026.
Madhya Pradesh High Court
The President appointed Justice Alpesh Yeshvant Kogje, Judge of Gujarat High Court, as Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court. His elevation was recommended by the SC Collegium on 31 August 2026.
Patna High Court
The President appointed Justice Valluri Kameswar Rao, Judge, Delhi HC, to be Chief Justice of Patna High Court. The SC Collegium on 6 August 2026 had recommended his elevation for the post of Chief Justice.
Punjab and Haryana High Court
The President appointed Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra, Judge, Punjab and Haryana HC as Chief Justice of this High Court with effect from the date he assumes charge of the office of Chief Justice. Justice Mishra’s elevation was recommended on 6 August 2026.
