Supreme Court Collegium Recommends Five New Chief Justices, Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo to Lead Patna High Court
In a significant move to strengthen India’s higher judiciary, the Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the appointment of five senior judges as Chief Justices of various High Courts.
The decision, taken during the Collegium’s meeting on December 18, 2025, aims to address vacancies arising from retirements and transfers while bolstering judicial leadership nationwide.
Among the key recommendations is the elevation of Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo of the Orissa High Court to Chief Justice of the Patna High Court. Justice Sahoo, who enrolled as an advocate in 1989 and specialised in criminal and service law, was elevated to the Orissa High Court bench in July 2014.
He currently serves as the Executive Chairman of the Odisha State Legal Services Authority. His extensive experience in both adjudication and administration is expected to help the Patna High Court tackle its substantial backlog of cases and enhance legal aid services.
Other notable appointments include:
- Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta (Allahabad High Court) as Chief Justice of Uttarakhand High Court
- Justice Revati P. Mohite Dere (Bombay High Court) as Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court
- Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque (Kerala High Court) as Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court
- Justice M.S. Sonak (Bombay High Court) as Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court
Once approved by the Central Government, these appointments will mark a crucial step in reducing case pendency and ensuring stronger judicial leadership across the country.
