Centre Appoints Justice MS Sonak as Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court

The Central Government has approved the appointment of Justice MS Sonak, currently a judge of the Bombay High Court, as the new Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court.

This appointment follows a recommendation made by the Supreme Court Collegium in its meeting held on December 18, 2025. Justice Sonak will take charge after the retirement of the present Chief Justice, Tarlok Singh Chauhan, on January 8, 2026.

The decision was officially announced by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on social media. He stated that the President of India has given formal approval to Justice Sonak’s appointment.

Justice Sonak was born on November 28, 1964. He completed his schooling in Panaji, Goa, and later pursued a science degree before obtaining his law degree from M.S. College of Law, Panaji. He was enrolled as an advocate in 1988 and began his legal career at the Panaji Bench of the Bombay High Court.

During his practice, he served in several important roles, including Additional Standing Counsel for the Central Government, Special Counsel for the State Government, and legal advisor to various statutory bodies. In 2013, he was elevated as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court and was later confirmed as a permanent judge.

Justice Sonak has also been in the news for becoming the first person in Goa to formally register a ‘living will’ or advance medical directive. This allows individuals to clearly state their medical preferences in situations where they may not be able to communicate. The registration took place at a public event organised by the Goa branch of the Indian Medical Association.