NEW DELHI, Apr 9 – The Central government has appointed Justice Sanjeev Kumar as the acting Chief Justice of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, following the retirement of Justice Tashi Rabistan, who held the position until today. The official notification for the appointment was issued by the Union Law Ministry on Wednesday.
As per the notification, Justice Kumar will assume the duties of Chief Justice from April 10, 2025, in accordance with Article 223 of the Constitution of India. The appointment comes as Justice Rabistan retires after serving as the Chief Justice of the High Court.
Born on April 8, 1966, in Kathua district, Justice Kumar studied law at the University of Jammu, graduating in 1988. He enrolled as an advocate in 1989 and practiced mainly before the High Court, contributing more than two hundred reported judgments before being elevated to the Bench in June 2017.
The Supreme Court Collegium had earlier recommended the appointment of Justice Arun Palli from the Punjab and Haryana High Court as the next Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court. This recommendation was made during a Collegium meeting held on April 4, 2025. However, the Union government has yet to clear Justice Palli’s elevation.
Justice Kumar’s appointment as acting Chief Justice will ensure the continued functioning of the J&K and Ladakh High Court until a permanent Chief Justice is appointed. (Agencies)
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