CHENNAI (Friday, March 6, 2026) — In a formal ceremony held at the 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 beginning of Justice Dharmadhikari’s tenure as the 55th Chief Justice of one of India’s oldest and most prestigious high courts.
The Swearing-In Ceremony
The event was attended by high-ranking state officials and members of the legal fraternity, reflecting the significance of the constitutional appointment.
- Key Attendees: Tamil Nadu Natural Resources Minister S. Regupathy and Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam led the delegation of state officials.
- Judicial Presence: Several sitting judges of the Madras High Court and senior advocates were present to welcome the new Chief Justice.
- The Mandate: Justice Dharmadhikari succeeds the previous incumbent, taking over the administrative and judicial leadership of the chartered High Court, which oversees both Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
Profile of Chief Justice S.A. Dharmadhikari
Before his elevation to the Madras High Court, Justice Dharmadhikari served as a senior judge at the Madhya Pradesh High Court, where he was known for several landmark rulings concerning civil liberties and administrative law.
| Feature | Details |
| Previous Posting | Judge, Madhya Pradesh High Court (Indore Bench) |
| Rank | 55th Chief Justice of Madras High Court |
| Legal Background | Extensive experience in Constitutional, Civil, and Service matters. |
| Appointing Authority | President of India, following recommendation by the SC Collegium. |
Immediate Priorities for the Madras HC
Legal experts suggest that Justice Dharmadhikari’s tenure will be marked by a focus on reducing the significant case pendency currently facing the Madras High Court and its Madurai Bench. Other expected focus areas include:
- Digital Transformation: Furthering the “paperless court” initiative and enhancing e-filing systems for advocates.
- Infrastructure: Overseeing the completion of several subordinate court complexes across Tamil Nadu.
- Filling Vacancies: Coordinating with the Collegium to fill the remaining sanctioned judge positions to reach full strength.
Sources
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari sworn in as Chief Justice of Madras HC” (March 6, 2026)
- The Hindu: “S.A. Dharmadhikari takes oath as Madras High Court Chief Justice” (March 6, 2026)
- Bar and Bench: “Justice S.A. Dharmadhikari appointed as 55th Chief Justice of Madras High Court” (March 5, 2026)
- Live Law: “Governor RN Ravi administers oath to Justice Dharmadhikari at Lok Bhavan” (March 6, 2026)
- Tamil Nadu Government Gazette: Notification of Appointment (March 6, 2026)
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