Supreme Court of India Adopts Policy for Early Transfer of Incoming High Court Chief Justices

The Supreme Court Collegium has introduced a new policy enabling judges who are in line to become Chief Justices of High Courts to be transferred approximately two months before the anticipated vacancy arises.

The objective is to allow the incoming Chief Justice to familiarise themselves with the court’s administrative structure and functioning, ensuring a smooth transition without disruption to judicial work.

As per the policy, the judge will initially serve as a puisne judge in the transferee High Court and assume charge as Chief Justice once the incumbent retires.

Pursuant to this approach, the Collegium has recommended the transfer of Justice Lisa Gill from the Punjab and Haryana High Court to the Andhra Pradesh High Court.