The Centre has officially appointed Justice Mahesh Sharadchandra Sonak from the Bombay High Court as the new Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court. This decision follows the retirement of the current Chief Justice on January 8. The appointment was made by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice of India.
Justice Sonak’s elevation aligns with the recommendation of the Supreme Court Collegium led by CJI Surya Kant. The Collegium had suggested Justice Sonak’s promotion to the position of Chief Justice in anticipation of the incumbent Chief Justice’s retirement. Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan is set to retire soon.
Born on November 28, 1964, Justice Sonak completed his education in Goa. He pursued his B.Sc. from Dhempe College of Arts and Science and LL.B. from M.S. College of Law, both affiliated with Bombay University. Before becoming a judge, he practiced law in various fields such as civil, constitutional, labor, and environmental law.
Prior to his appointment as a judge, Justice Sonak served as Additional Standing Counsel for the Central government and Special Counsel for the State government. He was elevated to the position of Additional Judge at the Bombay High Court in 2013. The Centre also announced the appointment and transfer of Chief Justices for High Courts in Kerala, Patna, and Meghalaya.
