SC Collegium Suggests Appointing a Chief Justice for the Manipur High Court.

The Supreme Court Collegium, which includes CJI Sanjiv Khanna, Justice BR Gavai, and Justice Surya Kant, has recommended Justice D. Krishnakumar for the position of Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court. He is currently a judge at the Madras High Court and will take on this new role after the retirement of the current Chief Justice of Manipur, Siddharth Mridul, on November 21. Justice Krishnakumar has been serving on the Madras High Court since April 7, 2016, and is expected to retire on May 21, 2025. He is the most senior puisne judge at the Madras High Court and comes from a Backward Community. Before joining the High Court, he had a successful career as a lawyer, dealing with various legal issues, especially in constitutional law. His significant judicial background and knowledge were important factors in the Collegium’s recommendation.

The Collegium also noted that there is currently only one Chief Justice from the Madras High Court among the sitting Chief Justices of different High Courts. After considering all relevant factors, the Collegium expressed confidence in Justice Krishnakumar’s qualifications, stating he is “fit and suitable in all respects” for the Chief Justice position in Manipur. A notification dated November 18, 2024, stated, “The Collegium, therefore, resolves to recommend that Mr. Justice D. Krishnakumar be appointed as the Chief Justice of High Court of Manipur consequent upon the retirement of Mr. Justice Siddharth Mridul on 21st November 2024.”