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High Courts

Comprehensive coverage, analysis, and breaking news on high courts.

Justice Sreedharan holds Court

Justice Sreedharan holds Court

Editor's Pick•11 Feb 2026

Justice Sreedharan holds Court

Our Constitution First newsletter this week looks at a progressive order from the Allahabad High Court.

Sushovan Patnaik

Staff Writer

Latest in High Courts

Justice Sujoy Paul recommended for appointment as Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court

Leaflet Reports•12 Jan 2026

Justice Sujoy Paul recommended for appointment as Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court

Justice Paul’s appointment recommendation trails the appointment of several chief justices across High Courts earlier this month.

Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque sworn in as Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court

Leaflet Reports•4 Jan 2026

Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque sworn in as Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court

Justice Mustaque is the sixth chief justice appointed to a High Court in the span of a week.

Over two days, Meghalaya, Patna, Kerala and Jharkhand get new chief justices

Leaflet Reports•2 Jan 2026

Over two days, Meghalaya, Patna, Kerala and Jharkhand get new chief justices

Despite Justice Revati Mohite-Dere’s appointment as Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court, India has only two women chief justices for its 25 High Courts.

Supreme Court Collegium recommends Chief Justices across five High Courts

Leaflet Reports•19 Dec 2025

Supreme Court Collegium recommends Chief Justices across five High Courts

Following the recommendations, Justice Revati Mohite Dere is set to be the chief justice of the Meghalaya High Court, with the High Courts of Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Sikkim and Patna also set to get new chiefs.

What happens when a High Court judge refuses to be transferred despite the President’s order?

High Courts•13 Dec 2025

What happens when a High Court judge refuses to be transferred despite the President’s order?

The controversy around Justice Nisha Banu’s transfer to Kerala HC opens up unsettled constitutional debates on judicial transfers and Article 217(1)(c).

In latest appointments to Allahabad HC, government withholds names of two lawyers - among them the sole Muslim candidate

Leaflet Reports•27 Sept 2025

In latest appointments to Allahabad HC, government withholds names of two lawyers - among them the sole Muslim candidate

Although the government cleared the names of 24 judges, it did not approve the names of advocates Adnan Ahmad and Jai Krishna Upadhyay.

How Long is Too Long? Umar, Gulfisha, Sharjeel and the Crisis of Credibility in Indian Courts

Life and Liberty•3 Sept 2025

How Long is Too Long? Umar, Gulfisha, Sharjeel and the Crisis of Credibility in Indian Courts

Release of the Delhi riots conspiracy prisoners, who continue to face incarceration for five plus years without a trial, is no longer a legal issue. It is a test of this nation's moral conscience.

Justice Pancholi’s appointment overlooked key potential CJIs from underrepresented HCs and minority communities

Leaflet Reports•30 Aug 2025

Justice Pancholi’s appointment overlooked key potential CJIs from underrepresented HCs and minority communities

In her reported Collegium dissent, Justice Nagarathna suggested Justice Pancholi’s elevation to be “counterproductive”. The Leaflet’s analysis shows why the appointment does not align with the Collegium’s own criteria on appointments and the potential CJIs who were overlooked.

14 High Court judges recommended for transfer by Collegium even as reasons for transfer remain undisclosed

Leaflet Reports•28 Aug 2025

14 High Court judges recommended for transfer by Collegium even as reasons for transfer remain undisclosed

Among those recommended for transfer by the Collegium are Justices Arun Monga, who assumed charge in the Delhi HC only one month ago, and Atul Sreedharan who had taken suo motu action against BJP minister Vijay Shah.

Supreme Court Collegium can’t dictate names to HC Collegium for recommendation for judgeship: CJI Gavai

Leaflet Reports•16 Aug 2025

Supreme Court Collegium can’t dictate names to HC Collegium for recommendation for judgeship: CJI Gavai

The remarks came in response to SCBA President Vikas Singh’s observation that lawyers appointed to the High Court bench were often drawn from those appearing before HC judges, even as other eligible candidates were overlooked.

Taking the Sri Lankan Mission to the Madras HC?: Querying jurisdictional immunities

International Law & World Affairs•12 Aug 2025

Taking the Sri Lankan Mission to the Madras HC?: Querying jurisdictional immunities

In February, a Single Bench of the Madras HC declined the application of jurisdictional immunities for the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission. Last month a Division Bench stayed it. The case brings to fore interesting questions on jurisdictional immunities, and the applicability of diplomatic immunity.

Why did the top Court refuse to gag mediain the Dharmasthala case?

Press Freedom•10 Aug 2025

Why did the top Court refuse to gag mediain the Dharmasthala case?

As allegations of mass burials in the Dharmasthala temple stirs national debate, the Supreme Court’s refusal to interfere with the HC’s order lifting a gag order is a step in the right direction for press freedom.

Punjab & Haryana Bar Council Privilege Committee summons 16 advocates, two senior advocates, amidst bench hunting allegations

Leaflet Reports•8 Aug 2025

Punjab & Haryana Bar Council Privilege Committee summons 16 advocates, two senior advocates, amidst bench hunting allegations

The committee is of the prima facie view that there could be foul play on behalf of advocates appearing for real estate builder Roop Bansal.

Bench led by Justice Pardiwala modifies August 4 order prohibiting Allahabad HC judge to hear criminal matters over “erroneous” order

Leaflet Reports•8 Aug 2025

Bench led by Justice Pardiwala modifies August 4 order prohibiting Allahabad HC judge to hear criminal matters over “erroneous” order

The move follows serious reservations expressed by CJI Gavai against the order, and a letter signed by thirteen senior judges of the Allahabad HC calling to defy the Supreme Court’s order.

Pot calling the kettle black?

Judicial Accountability•8 Aug 2025

Pot calling the kettle black?

As the Supreme Court recalls its controversial strictures against Allahabad HC judge, one story is put to rest. However, the repeating issue of overlordism and undignified criticism by higher court judges remains an issue far from resolved, with domino implications on our entire judicial system.

Platforms in the dock: The changing rules of internet liability

Opinion•5 Aug 2025

Platforms in the dock: The changing rules of internet liability

Recently in Isha Foundation’s case, the Delhi HC directed Google, X Corp and Meta to pull down a video defaming Jaggi Vasudev, bringing focus to a larger debate: To what extent should platforms be pulled in as co-defendants for simply providing the venue?

What is the Kerala HC’s new AI policy all about? And what more is needed?

Law and Technology•22 Jul 2025

What is the Kerala HC’s new AI policy all about? And what more is needed?

The new AI policy is rigorous, codifying AI’s use as an assisting tool in our courtrooms. But how far can India’s courts go without robust digital infrastructure, judicial education, and focussed investments by the Supreme Court and BCI?

A High Court directive curbing automatic remand for social media posts lays bare the persistent gaps in law and enforcement

Criminal Justice•17 Jul 2025

A High Court directive curbing automatic remand for social media posts lays bare the persistent gaps in law and enforcement

The Andhra Pradesh HC’s recent circular, which directs judicial magistrates to comply with the SC decisions in Pratapgarhi and Arnesh Kumar, is a welcome move, but exposes faultlines.

Union notifies five transfers to Delhi HC, reshuffles seniority hierarchy

Leaflet Reports•17 Jul 2025

Union notifies five transfers to Delhi HC, reshuffles seniority hierarchy

Following the move, Delhi HC’s strength has shot up to 40, as seniority of Justice Pratiba Singh drops to fifth.

Union appoints new chiefs for Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Gauhati, Patna and Jharkhand HCs

High Courts•17 Jul 2025

Union appoints new chiefs for Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Gauhati, Patna and Jharkhand HCs

In the latest move, chief justices among four High Courts have been reshuffled.

Delhi HC directs journalists seeking access to CIC hearings to consider approaching Supreme Court; refuses plea

Leaflet Reports•12 Jul 2025

Delhi HC directs journalists seeking access to CIC hearings to consider approaching Supreme Court; refuses plea

The petition filed by journalists including Saurav Das and Kunal Purohit sought to access reasoning that it performs quasi judicial functions, and its public scrutiny by the public was crucial.

Bombay HC’s ruling that POSH does not apply to women advocates shows independence of legal profession should not become loophole

Life and Liberty•10 Jul 2025

Bombay HC’s ruling that POSH does not apply to women advocates shows independence of legal profession should not become loophole

The High Court’s decision, while noting the non-existence of employer-employee relationships, fails to take account of the changing nature of the workplace.

In the Andhra Pradesh HC’s recent decision on transgender women’s rights in marriage, a reaffirmation of their legal identity as women

LGBTQI•8 Jul 2025

In the Andhra Pradesh HC’s recent decision on transgender women’s rights in marriage, a reaffirmation of their legal identity as women

In its decision of June 16, the Andhra Pradesh HC has reaffirmed that trans women are to be treated as women under Indian criminal law. Beyond marriage, the judgement concretises a long-fought battle for dignity.

Supreme Court Collegium recommends 36 judges for High Courts, including seven women judges

Leaflet Reports•4 Jul 2025

Supreme Court Collegium recommends 36 judges for High Courts, including seven women judges

In the recent spate of recommendations, only seven are women, and the opacity surrounding when the names were first flagged by HCs and how much time the SC Collegium took to finalise them, remains.

All India Lawyer’s Association for Justice revives demand for in-house inquiry against Justice Shekhar Yadav, seven months after hate speech

Leaflet Reports•18 Jun 2025

All India Lawyer’s Association for Justice revives demand for in-house inquiry against Justice Shekhar Yadav, seven months after hate speech

A recent report has suggested that the SC stopped short of an in-house inquiry against Justice Yadav after the Rajya Sabha Secretariat claimed exclusive jurisdiction. A progressive lawyer’s body has now revived a long-stalled push to initiate enquiry and demand unconditional apology from the Allahabad HC judge.

Five noteworthy judgements of Justice N.V. Anjaria, among the latest appointees to the Supreme Court

Supreme Court•11 Jun 2025

Five noteworthy judgements of Justice N.V. Anjaria, among the latest appointees to the Supreme Court

As a puisne judge of the Gujarat HC and chief justice of the Karnataka KC, Justice Anjaria delivered crucial decisions, from tracing a balanced jurisprudence on money laundering to calling out political abuse in criminal matters.

Six noteworthy judgements by Justice A.S. Chandurkar, among the latest appointees to the top Court

Leaflet Reports•5 Jun 2025

Six noteworthy judgements by Justice A.S. Chandurkar, among the latest appointees to the top Court

Justice Chandurkar took oath as a judge of the Supreme Court on May 30. His momentous judgements range from the Kunal Kamra (2024) decision which ruled against government Fact-Checking Units, and a ruling on appointment of consumer forum members which upheld the separation of powers, to a controversial ruling on the Hijab ban.

A Bombay High Court verdict keeps intact Maharashtra’s constitutionally flawed property tax regime

Commercial Law•31 May 2025

A Bombay High Court verdict keeps intact Maharashtra’s constitutionally flawed property tax regime

Precedents indicate that the ‘pre-deposit’ condition precedent to appeal property tax assessments in Maharashtra violates Article 14 of the Constitution. Yet the Bombay HC’s 2014 verdict in Walchandnagar Industries keeps matters ambiguous, diverging from broader established jurisprudence.

Amidst bench hunting allegations in Punjab & Haryana HC, advocate makes unusual request to transfer bail matter to Justice Mahabir Singh Sindhu

Leaflet Reports•30 May 2025

Amidst bench hunting allegations in Punjab & Haryana HC, advocate makes unusual request to transfer bail matter to Justice Mahabir Singh Sindhu

Following the unusual request, on May 28, Justice Manjari Nehru Kaul forwarded the matter to CJ Sheel Nagu for seeking his order regarding the listing of the case.

In one of the biggest reshuffles, Collegium recommends 22 High Court transfers

Leaflet Reports•29 May 2025

In one of the biggest reshuffles, Collegium recommends 22 High Court transfers

Following the reshuffle, the Delhi High Court is set to gain as many as five judges.

Collegium recommends new chief justices across Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Gauhati, Patna and Jharkhand HCs

Leaflet Reports•27 May 2025

Collegium recommends new chief justices across Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Gauhati, Patna and Jharkhand HCs

If the recommendations to appoint Justices Sanjeev Sachdeva, Vibhu Bakhru, Ashutosh Kumar, V.M. Pancholi and T.S. Chauhan as chief justices are cleared, Delhi High Court will be represented by two High Court chief justices, even as High Courts of Orissa, Kerala and north-eastern states continue without any

Collegium recommends Justices N.V. Anjaria, Vijay Bishnoi and A.S. Chandurkar to the Supreme Court, but no reasons stated for supersession of senior judges

Leaflet Reports•26 May 2025

Collegium recommends Justices N.V. Anjaria, Vijay Bishnoi and A.S. Chandurkar to the Supreme Court, but no reasons stated for supersession of senior judges

Justice Anjaria stands at serial no.14 in the all-India seniority of high court judges, while Justices Bishnoi and Chandurkar stand at serial nos. 18 and 29. However, the Collegium’s resolution maintains silence on why senior High Court judges were superseded.

In-house committee found several mismatches between Justice Varma’s claims and evidence on ground

Leaflet Reports•12 May 2025

In-house committee found several mismatches between Justice Varma’s claims and evidence on ground

Sources close to the probe informed The Leaflet exclusively that, among others, Justice Varma falsely claimed that the room where sacks of burnt currency were discovered was accessible to any person who visited the residence.

As Justice Yashwant Varma defies resignation calls, CJI Khanna recommends removal

Judicial Accountability•8 May 2025

As Justice Yashwant Varma defies resignation calls, CJI Khanna recommends removal

Justice Varma’s refusal to resign despite indictment echoes closely a similar decision by Justice S.N. Shukla in 2018 who despite a letter by the CJI seeking removal continued in office without impeachment.

29 High Court recommendations pending with government, 15 SC/ST judges appointed since November 2022: What the Collegium’s data on HC appointments tells us

Judicial Accountability•6 May 2025

29 High Court recommendations pending with government, 15 SC/ST judges appointed since November 2022: What the Collegium’s data on HC appointments tells us

While former CJI Chandrachud’s collegium appointed 12 judges related to sitting or former judges, the Collegium under CJI Khanna appointed two such judges

What are the options before CJI Sanjiv Khanna as the ‘Justice Verma’ in-house committee finally submits report?

Judicial Accountability•5 May 2025

What are the options before CJI Sanjiv Khanna as the ‘Justice Verma’ in-house committee finally submits report?

While much now depends on the contents of the in-house committee’s report, we must remember that the in-house process is not a substitute for enquiry under the Judges (Inquiry) Act.

Having captured the legislature and the executive, the judiciary is the final bastion of the Republic that the Hindu Rashtra project is seeking to vanquish

Governance and Policy•26 Apr 2025

Having captured the legislature and the executive, the judiciary is the final bastion of the Republic that the Hindu Rashtra project is seeking to vanquish

The recent coordinated attack against the Supreme Court reflects the Sangh Parivar’s immense frustration with the sustained and stubborn commitment to the Indian Constitution of an important segment of the judiciary and the Bar

X Corp. v. Union of India: All you need to know about the Karnataka HC battle over Sahyog portal, censorship and the scope of the IT Act

Digital Rights•23 Apr 2025

X Corp. v. Union of India: All you need to know about the Karnataka HC battle over Sahyog portal, censorship and the scope of the IT Act

According to information available with The Leaflet, the matter has been adjourned till 1 July 2025

Collegium recommends transfer of seven High Court judges, taking the tally to 15 transfers under CJI Khanna’s tenure

Leaflet Reports•21 Apr 2025

Collegium recommends transfer of seven High Court judges, taking the tally to 15 transfers under CJI Khanna’s tenure

The latest resolution notes that the transfers are aimed towards better administration of justice and in the interests of inclusivity and diversity