Justice Sushrut Dharmadhikari Elevated to Madras High Court Chief Justice
In a significant judicial development, Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari, currently serving as a judge at the Kerala High Court, has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court. The Union government issued the official notification on Thursday, acting upon the recommendation of the Supreme Court collegium.
Farewell Ceremony at Kerala High Court
Following the notification, a full court reference was convened at the Kerala High Court to mark Justice Dharmadhikari's transfer and elevation. The function, presided over by Kerala High Court Chief Justice Soumen Sen, commenced at 5 PM. Distinguished legal figures including Additional Advocate General Ashok M Cherian and Peeyus A Kottam, President of the Kerala High Court Advocates' Association, delivered addresses honoring the departing judge.
During his farewell speech, Justice Dharmadhikari expressed appreciation for the vigilance of Kerala's civil society. "The civil society in Kerala maintains strict scrutiny over every administrative decision," he remarked, acknowledging the constructive oversight that characterizes the state's governance environment.
Illustrious Legal Career and Background
Justice Dharmadhikari brings a wealth of experience to his new role:
- Educational Foundation: Born in Raipur, he earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree followed by a Bachelor of Laws from Nagpur University.
- Early Career: He enrolled as an advocate at the Madhya Pradesh High Court, Jabalpur bench, in 1992.
- Government Service: From 2000 to 2015, he served as Standing Counsel for the Union of India, representing the government in numerous legal matters.
- Judicial Appointments: He was elevated as an Additional Judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court in 2016 and appointed as a Permanent Judge in 2018.
- Recent Transfer: Justice Dharmadhikari was transferred to the Kerala High Court on April 23, 2025, before his current elevation to the Madras High Court.
This appointment marks a new chapter in Justice Dharmadhikari's distinguished career, placing him at the helm of one of India's premier high courts. The legal community anticipates his leadership will bring continued excellence to the Madras High Court's judicial proceedings.
