Centre Notifies Transfer of Jharkhand HC’s Acting CJ Justice Shree Chandrashekhar to Rajasthan High Court

The Central government has officially announced the transfer of Justice Shree Chandrashekhar, who has been serving as the Acting Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court, to the Rajasthan High Court. This decision follows the Centre’s notification of Justice BR Sarangi’s appointment as the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court.

The Supreme Court Collegium recommended Justice Chandrashekhar’s transfer in response to his formal request for relocation.

Historical Context: The transfer of judges within the Indian judiciary is a common practice aimed at maintaining judicial independence and efficiency. The Supreme Court Collegium, a body of the five senior-most judges of the Supreme Court, plays a crucial role in the appointment and transfer of judges. This system was established to ensure that the judiciary remains free from executive influence, a principle rooted in the landmark “Three Judges Cases” that shaped the current collegium system.

Justice Shree Chandrashekhar’s Background:

• Education and Early Career: Justice Chandrashekhar completed his LLB in 1993 and was enrolled as an Advocate with the Delhi State Bar Council. He practiced in both criminal and civil law in Delhi.
• Legal Practice: Over 19 years, he handled approximately 3,500 cases, primarily in the Supreme Court of India. He appeared as counsel in about 140 reported Supreme Court judgments.
• Judicial Appointments: He was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Jharkhand High Court on January 17, 2013, and became a permanent Judge on June 27, 2014.
• Acting Chief Justice: He assumed the role of Acting Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court on December 29, 2023.

Summary:

• The Central government has transferred Justice Shree Chandrashekhar from Jharkhand High Court to Rajasthan High Court.
• Justice BR Sarangi has been appointed as the Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court.
• The Supreme Court Collegium recommended the transfer based on Justice Chandrashekhar’s request.
• Justice Chandrashekhar has a distinguished legal career, with significant experience in the Supreme Court of India.
• He served as an Additional Judge and later as a permanent Judge of the Jharkhand High Court before becoming the Acting Chief Justice.

This transfer is part of the judiciary’s efforts to maintain independence and efficiency through strategic appointments and relocations.