Centre appoints Justice Sanjeev Kumar as Acting Chief Justice of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh HC

ANI April 9, 2025 132 views

The Ministry of Law and Justice has appointed Justice Sanjeev Kumar as the Acting Chief Justice of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court starting April 10, 2025. Kumar, a seasoned judge with over 200 reported judgments, brings extensive experience from government legal representation. His appointment comes after the retirement of Chief Justice Tashi Rabastan under Article 223 of the Constitution. The Supreme Court Collegium had earlier proposed Justice Arun Palli for the role, but his elevation is still pending government approval.

"The decision was made under Article 223 of the Constitution of India" - Ministry of Law and Justice
New Delhi, April 9: The Ministry of Law and Justice on Wednesday notified the appointment of Justice Sanjeev Kumar as the Acting Chief Justice of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, effective from April 10, 2025.

Key Points

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Ministry notifies Justice Sanjeev Kumar as Acting Chief Justice

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Appointment follows retirement of Chief Justice Tashi Rabastan

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Kumar has extensive background in government legal representation

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Experienced judge with over 200 reported judgments

New Delhi [India], April 9 (ANI): The Ministry of Law and Justice on Wednesday notified the appointment of Justice Sanjeev Kumar as the Acting Chief Justice of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, effective from April 10, 2025.

The decision was made under Article 223 of the Constitution of India following the retirement of Chief Justice Tashi Rabastan on April 9, 2025. Justice Sanjeev Kumar, currently serving as a judge in the same High Court, has been entrusted with the responsibilities of the Chief Justice's office.

The Supreme Court Collegium, in its meeting on April 4, proposed the appointment of Justice Arun Palli from the Punjab and Haryana High Court as the Chief Justice of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court. However, his elevation is still awaiting approval from the Union government.

According to the official website of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, Justice Sanjeev Kumar was born on April 8, 1966, in the village of Prehta Nagrota of Tehsil Basohli Distt. Kathua. He received his early Education in a Local Government Middle School and graduated from Govt. H.S.S. Basohli, and secured 10th position in the J&K State Board of School Education in the 1981 matriculation Examination.

He graduated (B.Sc) from Govt. Degree College Kathua in 1985 in first Division and LLB from University of Jammu in 1988 in first Division. Enrolled Advocate by J&K Bar Council in February 1989.

He was appointed as the Government Advocate for the Srinagar Wing of the High Court of J&K twice--first from 1992 to 1993 and then from 1994 to 1995. He was again appointed as the Government Advocate for the Jammu Wing in 1995 and remained as such until 1998.

He represented almost all government departments and PSUs, was counsel on the Panel of Advocate General for more than two years, and represented the Forest and Finance Department, including the Commercial Taxes and Excise Department of the state, in the Jammu Wing of the High Court.

Justice Sanjeev Kumar was also standing counsel for the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (J&K SSB) for almost six years between 2006 and 2012.

Practised mainly in the High Court and had more than two hundred reported judgments to his credit. Appeared in many notable cases like the Toshakana case, the Assembly Dissolution Matter and recently in 'Reservation in promotion Matter' & many more.

He was administered oath on June 6, 2017, as Permanent Judge of J&K High Court.

Reader Comments

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Rahul S.
Justice Kumar's journey from a small village to the High Court is truly inspiring! His educational achievements show what dedication can accomplish. Wishing him all the best in his new role 👏
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Priya M.
Interesting to see the temporary appointment while waiting for Justice Palli's approval. The judiciary moves in mysterious ways sometimes. Hope this transition period goes smoothly for the court.
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Amit K.
While Justice Kumar's credentials are impressive, I wonder if the delay in appointing a permanent Chief Justice might create uncertainty. The region needs stable leadership in these challenging times.
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Neha T.
His experience in handling important cases like the Toshakana case and Assembly Dissolution Matter shows he's well-prepared for this responsibility. J&K judiciary is in good hands!
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Vikram J.
From government advocate to Acting Chief Justice - what a career trajectory! His deep understanding of government workings will be invaluable in this position.
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Sunita R.
It's heartening to see judges with such diverse experience getting recognized. His work with the Services Selection Board shows he understands administrative challenges too. 👍

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Justice Sanjeev Kumar Jammu and Kashmir High Court Judicial Appointment Indian Judiciary Acting Chief Justice
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