The Supreme Court Collegium consisting of CJI Sanjiv Khanna, Justice BR Gavai and Justice Surya Kant recommended the appointment of Justice D. Krishnakumar, currently a judge at the Madras High Court, as the Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court. This appointment will take effect following the retirement of the current Chief Justice of Manipur, Siddharth Mridul, on November 21.

Justice Krishnakumar was appointed to the Madras High Court on April 7, 2016, and is set to retire on May 21, 2025. He is currently the senior-most puisne judge at the Madras High Court and hails from a Backward Community.

Prior to his elevation to the High Court, Justice Krishnakumar had a distinguished career as a lawyer, handling a broad range of legal matters, including civil, constitutional, and service law cases, with a particular focus on constitutional law. His extensive judicial experience and expertise were key factors considered by the Collegium in making the recommendation.

In making its decision, the Collegium also took into account the fact that, at present, there is only one Chief Justice from the Madras High Court among the sitting Chief Justices of various High Courts. Based on all relevant considerations, the Collegium expressed its confidence in Justice Krishnakumar's qualifications, deeming him "fit and suitable in all respects" to assume the role of Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court.

The notification dated November 18, 2024, read, “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.”

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