Centre Notifies Appointment of Justice Shree Chandrashekhar as Bombay High Court Chief Justice

New Delhi – The Central Government has formally notified the appointment of Justice Shree Chandrashekhar as the new Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, one of the country's oldest and most significant chartered high courts. The appointment, made by the President of India under Article 217(1) of the Constitution, solidifies the leadership of a court that now operates with 82 judges against a sanctioned strength of 94.

The official notification from the Union Ministry of Law and Justice was announced by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal via a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The announcement stated, “In exercise of the powers conferred by the Constitution of India, in consultation with the Chief Justice of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Shree Chandrashekhar, Judge of the Bombay High Court as Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court.”

This development elevates Justice Chandrashekhar from his recent role as Acting Chief Justice, a position he assumed following the elevation of the erstwhile Chief Justice, Alok Aradhe, to the Supreme Court.

The Path to Appointment: Collegium's Recommendation and Constitutional Process

The appointment follows a formal recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium, which in a meeting held on August 25, resolved to propose Justice Chandrashekhar for the leadership role. The Collegium's resolution underscored his extensive experience and suitability for the high-profile position.

The constitutional framework for such appointments is rooted in Article 217 of the Constitution of India, which vests the power of appointing High Court judges, including the Chief Justice, in the President, acting after consultation with the Chief Justice of India and the Governor of the concerned state.

Justice Chandrashekhar's recent tenure as Acting Chief Justice was governed by Article 223 of the Constitution, which empowers the President to appoint a puisne judge to perform the duties of the Chief Justice when the office is vacant. His swift confirmation to the permanent role ensures continuity and stable leadership for the Bombay High Court, the second largest in the country after the Allahabad High Court.

A Distinguished Career: From Bar to Bench

Born on May 25, 1965, Justice Chandrashekhar’s journey in the legal profession began after he completed his LL.B. from the prestigious Campus Law Centre at the University of Delhi in 1993. He was enrolled as an advocate with the Delhi State Bar Council on December 9, 1993, and embarked on a distinguished 19-year career at the Bar.

His practice in Delhi was extensive, covering both civil and criminal litigation. However, it was his work before the Supreme Court of India that became the hallmark of his career as an advocate. He was involved in approximately 3,500 cases, primarily before the apex court, and his name appeared as counsel in around 140 reported judgments, demonstrating a significant and impactful practice.

During his time as a lawyer, he held several key positions, serving as the Standing Counsel for the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the State of Jharkhand in the Supreme Court. His diverse clientele also included statutory bodies like the Bihar State Housing Board, the Bihar State Pollution Control Board, and the Jharkhand State Electricity Board, alongside various corporations and private entities.

Judicial Trajectory and Key Roles

Justice Chandrashekhar’s transition to the judiciary began with his appointment as an Additional Judge of the Jharkhand High Court in January 2013. He was subsequently made a permanent Judge of the court in June 2014. His parent High Court is the High Court of Jharkhand.

He later assumed the responsibility of Acting Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court, serving from December 29, 2023, until July 2024. Following this, he was transferred first to the Rajasthan High Court and then sworn in as a judge of the Bombay High Court on July 21, 2024. His rapid ascent to Acting Chief Justice and now Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court reflects the judiciary's confidence in his administrative and judicial capabilities.

Implications for the Bombay High Court

The appointment of a new Chief Justice is a pivotal moment for any High Court. As the head of the institution, the Chief Justice presides over the administrative functions of the court, manages the roster, and plays a crucial role in the appointment and transfer of subordinate court judges. Justice Chandrashekhar's extensive experience, both as a litigator in the Supreme Court and as a judge and Acting Chief Justice in two different High Courts, equips him with a unique perspective to lead the Bombay High Court.

His tenure, which will last until his superannuation in May 2027, is expected to focus on addressing the court's significant caseload and continuing the modernization efforts, including the e-Courts project. His recent role in administering the oath of office to 14 new judges, which brought the court's strength to a recent high of 82, indicates an immediate engagement with the crucial task of augmenting judicial strength to tackle pendency.

Legal professionals practicing before the Bombay High Court will look to his leadership for direction on case management, procedural reforms, and the overall judicial temperament of the bench. His background as a seasoned counsel who argued a vast number of cases provides him with an intrinsic understanding of the challenges faced by the Bar, which could foster a collaborative and efficient judicial environment.