India Names Chief Justices for Eight High Courts in Single Move

The Indian government has appointed chief justices to eight high courts across the country in a single notification, according to The Hindu. The appointments were confirmed on Saturday, September 5, 2026, and include senior judges moved from their current posts to lead new benches.

Among the notable appointments, Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi has been named Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, while Justice R.V. Ghuge has been appointed to lead the Calcutta High Court, as reported by Bar and Bench and The Indian Express. The Hindu and NDTV both confirmed that the appointments cover eight high courts in total, though the full list of judges and their assigned courts was not detailed in the reports.

The appointments come as part of the central government’s routine process of filling top judicial vacancies. According to Live Law, the notification formalizes the transfer of sitting judges to chief justice positions, a standard practice in India’s higher judiciary. The moves are effective immediately, though the judges are expected to assume their new roles after taking oath.

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The selection follows the established consultative process between the government and the judiciary, which typically involves recommendations from the Supreme Court collegium. While the reports do not specify when the collegium made its recommendations, the swift notification suggests the appointments were cleared without significant delay.

The new chief justices will take charge of their respective high courts in the coming weeks. Observers will likely watch how these leadership changes affect case management and judicial administration, particularly in the Bombay High Court, which handles a heavy caseload. Further announcements on remaining vacancies may follow as the government continues to fill top judicial posts.