Justice Sanjeev Kumar appointed Acting Chief Justice of J&K and Ladakh High Court

IANS April 9, 2025 128 views

Justice Sanjeev Kumar has been appointed as the Acting Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court following the retirement of Chief Justice Tashi Rabastan. The appointment was made by presidential order under Article 223 of the Indian Constitution. Interestingly, the Supreme Court Collegium had previously recommended Justice Arun Palli for the position. The appointment takes effect from April 10, 2025, ensuring continuous judicial leadership in the high court.

"The President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Sanjeev Kumar to perform the duties of Chief Justice" - Union Ministry of Law and Justice
New Delhi, April 9: The Centre on Wednesday issued a notification appointing Justice Sanjeev Kumar as Acting Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court after the retirement of incumbent Chief Justice Tashi Rabastan on April 9.

Key Points

1

President uses Article 223 to designate Kumar as Acting Chief Justice

2

Succession follows retirement of Chief Justice Tashi Rabastan

3

Supreme Court Collegium recommended alternative candidate Justice Arun Palli

"In exercise of the power conferred by Article 223 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Judge of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, to perform the duties of office of the Chief Justice of that High Court with effect from 10.04.2025 consequent upon the retirement of Shri Justice Tashi Rabastan, Chief Justice, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court on 09.04.2025," said a notification issued by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice.

Article 223 empowers the President to appoint any puisne judge as acting Chief Justice when "the office of Chief Justice of a High Court is vacant or when any such Chief Justice is, by reason of absence or otherwise, unable to perform the duties of his office".

Last week, the Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, had recommended to the Centre that Justice Arun Palli, the senior-most judge in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, be appointed as Chief Justice of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh.

"The Supreme Court Collegium in its meeting held on 4th April, 2025, has recommended appointment of Mr Justice Arun Palli, Judge, High Court of Punjab and Haryana, as Chief Justice of High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh," said a statement uploaded on the website of the apex court.

The Union government is yet to act upon the recommendation forwarded by the apex court Collegium in relation to the appointment of the Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Chief Justice Rabstan retires on Wednesday on attaining the age of 62.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Congratulations to Justice Sanjeev Kumar! Hope his tenure brings stability to the judiciary in these sensitive regions. The appointment process seems smooth so far 👍
P
Priya M.
Interesting that they've appointed an acting CJ while the Collegium's recommendation for permanent CJ is pending. Does this mean there's some disagreement between the govt and judiciary? 🤔
A
Amit S.
Justice Kumar has a good reputation. His experience in J&K matters will be valuable during this transition period. Wishing him all the best!
N
Neha T.
While I respect the appointment, I wish the government would act faster on the Collegium's recommendation. These delays in judicial appointments aren't good for institutional stability.
V
Vikram J.
Article 223 is rarely discussed but so important for judicial continuity! Good to see the constitutional provisions working as intended when a CJ retires.
S
Sunita R.
Hope Justice Palli's appointment gets cleared soon. The acting CJ arrangement should only be temporary. The judiciary deserves permanent leadership.

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Tags:
Jammu and Kashmir High Court Justice Sanjeev Kumar Judicial Appointments Supreme Court Collegium Article 223
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