Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari Sworn In As Chief Justice Of Madras High Court

Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court on March 6, 2026. The oath was administered by Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi at Lokbhavan in Chennai. His appointment follows the recommendation of the Supreme Court Collegium and subsequent approval by the Central government.

The Supreme Court Collegium had recommended Justice Dharmadhikari’s elevation as Chief Justice of the Madras High Court on February 27, 2026. Following this recommendation, the Central government formally notified his appointment on March 5, clearing the way for his assumption of office.

Justice Dharmadhikari brings with him decades of legal and judicial experience. He completed his graduation in Commerce and later obtained a law degree from Nagpur University before beginning his legal practice.

He enrolled as an advocate with the Madhya Pradesh High Court and built an extensive litigation practice. Over the years, he handled a wide range of legal matters and gained significant experience in constitutional and civil law issues.

From 2000 to 2015, Justice Dharmadhikari served as Standing Counsel for the Union of India. During this period, he represented the Central government in numerous cases before the High Court and contributed to several important legal proceedings involving public authorities.

His judicial career began when he was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on April 7, 2016. After serving for nearly two years in that capacity, he was confirmed as a permanent judge of the High Court on March 17, 2018.

In April 2025, Justice Dharmadhikari was transferred to the Kerala High Court as part of the judiciary’s transfer policy. He took oath as a judge of the Kerala High Court on April 23, 2025, where he continued to hear matters involving constitutional, administrative and civil law issues.

With his appointment as Chief Justice, Justice Dharmadhikari now assumes leadership of one of India’s oldest and most significant High Courts. The Madras High Court plays a vital role in adjudicating disputes and overseeing the administration of justice in the State of Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry.

His elevation to the position of Chief Justice reflects the judiciary’s continued efforts to appoint experienced judges to leadership roles in constitutional courts across the country.