CHENNAI (Friday, March 6, 2026) — In a formal ceremony held at the Raj Bhavan (referred to locally as Lok Bhavan), Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court. Governor R.N. Ravi administered the oath of office, marking the start of his tenure as the 55th Chief Justice of this historic chartered High Court.
The Swearing-In Ceremony
The event was attended by high-ranking state officials and members of the legal fraternity, signifying a smooth transition of judicial leadership.
- Key Attendees: Tamil Nadu Minister for Law S. Regupathy, Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam, and Advocate General P.S. Raman were present.
- Succession: Justice Dharmadhikari succeeds Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava, who retired on March 5, 2026.
- Procedural Steps: Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam read out the Warrant of Appointment issued by President Droupadi Murmu, which was then handed over to the Chief Justice-designate before the oath was taken.
Profile of Chief Justice S.A. Dharmadhikari
Justice Dharmadhikari brings over three decades of legal and judicial experience to the Madras High Court, spanning civil, criminal, and constitutional domains.
| Feature | Details |
| Parent High Court | Madhya Pradesh High Court |
| Immediate Previous Posting | Judge, Kerala High Court (since April 23, 2025) |
| Born | July 8, 1966, in Raipur, Chhattisgarh |
| Career Milestone | Served as Standing Counsel for the Union of India (2000–2015) |
| Judicial Appointment | Appointed Additional Judge of MP High Court in 2016; Permanent in 2018 |
Career Highlights & Notable Experience
- Bhopal Gas Tragedy: Early in his career, he practiced under Senior Advocate Y.S. Dharmadhikari and represented the Welfare Commissioner for victims of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy.
- Government Representation: Represented key institutions including the Income Tax Department, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and Central Excise as Senior Standing Counsel.
- Cultural Adaptability: During his farewell at the Kerala High Court on March 5, he noted that his tenure in the South served as a “vital bridge,” helping him adapt from the traditional legal atmosphere of Madhya Pradesh to the rights-conscious legal landscape of South India.
Sources
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari sworn in as Chief Justice of Madras HC” (March 6, 2026)
- Bar and Bench: “Justice SA Dharmadhikari sworn in as Chief Justice of Madras High Court” (March 6, 2026)
- The Hindu: “Justice S.A. Dharmadhikari sworn in as 55th Chief Justice of Madras High Court” (March 6, 2026)
- Live Law: “Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadikari Bids Farewell To Kerala High Court” (March 5, 2026)
- Official Notification: Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India (March 5, 2026)
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