The Centre has notified the appointment of Justice PB Bajanthri as the new Chief Justice of Patna High Court. The Supreme Court Collegium had recommended his name for the position earlier on September 11, 2025.
The Madras High Court mandated the expedited family pension for the disabled daughter of a former Acting Chief Justice, emphasizing that pensions are legal rights, not charity. The court criticized bureaucratic delays and affirmed that only a medical certificate is needed to process such claims, especially for individuals with disabilities.
Justice Ashutosh Kumar has been appointed as the Acting Chief Justice of the Patna High Court, succeeding Chief Justice KV Chandran. Justice Kumar, who began his legal career in 1991, has an impressive academic background, graduating from St. Stephen’s College and obtaining an LL.B. from Delhi University, becoming a permanent judge in 2016.
The Supreme Court of India, established on January 28, 1950, evolved from historic legal reforms starting with the Regulating Act of 1773. Governed by a collegium system for appointments, it plays a pivotal role in upholding the Constitution’s supremacy. Judges are appointed based on seniority and established eligibility criteria, ensuring judicial integrity.
Justice R. Mahadevan, born on June 10, 1963, in Chennai, was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Madras High Court in 2013 and became a Permanent Judge in 2015. He transitioned to the Supreme Court, marking a significant milestone as the first Chief Justice of the Madras High Court elevated in six years.
Justice Rajesh Bindal, born on April 16, 1961, in Ambala, Haryana, assumed office as a Supreme Court judge on February 13, 2023. He previously served at the Punjab & Haryana High Court, Jammu & Kashmir High Court, and Calcutta High Court, and as Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court. He will retire on April 15, 2027, after a distinguished career.
Justice Sanjay Karol was born on August 23, 1961, in Shimla and assumed office in the Supreme Court of India on February 6, 2023, retiring on August 22, 2026. He has authored 61 judgements and has held significant positions, including Chief Justice of Tripura and Patna High Courts. A Senior Advocate since 1999, he played crucial roles in reducing case pendency and served as Chancellor of law universities.
The Union government appointed Chief Justices to eight High Courts, as announced by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. Key appointments include Justice Manmohan at Delhi, Justice Rajiv Shakdher at Himachal Pradesh, and Justice Suresh Kait at Madhya Pradesh. This follows earlier recommendations from the Supreme Court Collegium.