Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court: The Jharkhand High Court, established on November 15, 2000, following the bifurcation of Bihar, has been pivotal in upholding justice in the state. Over the years, a succession of esteemed Chief Justices have contributed significantly to the state’s legal framework. This blog delves into the chronological journey of these judicial leaders, culminating with the current Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court, M.S. Ramachandra Rao.
Chronological List of Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court
- Vinod Kumar Gupta (Dec 5, 2000 – Mar 4, 2003): Inaugural Chief Justice, laying the foundation for the court’s jurisprudence.
- P. K. Balasubramanyan (Mar 10, 2003 – Aug 26, 2004): Known for his judicious approach and integrity.
- Altamas Kabir (Mar 1, 2005 – Sep 8, 2005): Later ascended to India’s Chief Justice.
- Nelavoy Dhinakar (Dec 4, 2005 – Jun 9, 2006): Focused on streamlining judicial processes.
- M. Karpaga Vinayagam (Sep 17, 2006 – May 15, 2008): Emphasized on energy and environmental law.
- Gyan Sudha Misra (Jul 13, 2008 – Apr 30, 2010): First woman Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court; later served in the Supreme Court.
- Bhagwati Prasad (Aug 22, 2010 – May 12, 2011): Advocated for judicial reforms and transparency.
- Prakash Chandra Tatia (Sep 11, 2011 – Aug 3, 2013): Known for landmark judgments in civil law.
- R. Banumathi (Nov 16, 2013 – Aug 12, 2014): Later elevated to the Supreme Court, recognized for her contributions to criminal jurisprudence.
- Virender Singh (Nov 1, 2014 – Oct 6, 2016): Focused on reducing case backlogs and promoting alternative dispute resolution.
- Pradip Kumar Mohanty (Mar 24, 2017 – Jun 9, 2017): Brief tenure marked by administrative efficiency.
- Aniruddha Bose (Aug 11, 2018 – May 23, 2019): Later appointed to the Supreme Court; known for his expertise in constitutional law.
- Ravi Ranjan (Nov 17, 2019 – Dec 19, 2022): Emphasized on digitalization of court processes.
- Sanjaya Kumar Mishra (Feb 20, 2023 – Dec 28, 2023): Promoted judicial accountability and transparency.
- Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi (Jul 5, 2024 – Jul 19, 2024): Had a brief tenure before superannuation.
- M.S. Ramachandra Rao (Sep 25, 2024 – Present): Current Chief Justice, bringing a wealth of experience from previous high courts.
Each Chief Justice, with their unique vision and judicial acumen, has contributed to the enduring legacy of the Jharkhand High Court, enriching its jurisprudential heritage and advancing the cause of justice in the state.
Profile: Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao
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Background: Born into a family with a strong judicial lineage; his father, Justice M. Jagannadha Rao, served in the Supreme Court and chaired the Law Commission of India.The Times of India
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Education: Graduated in science with mathematics honours from Osmania University; pursued law and earned a master’s degree from the University of Cambridge. The Times of India
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Career: Began as an advocate in 1989; elevated as a judge in the Andhra Pradesh High Court in 2012; served in Punjab & Haryana and Himachal Pradesh High Courts before his current appointment. The Times of India
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Vision: Aims to enhance judicial efficiency, embrace technological advancements, and uphold the rule of law in Jharkhand.
On September 25, 2024, Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar administered the oath of office to Justice Rao at Raj Bhavan, Ranchi. Dignitaries including Chief Minister Hemant Soren and senior judges graced the event. The appointment of Justice Rao follows the recent reshuffle by the Supreme Court Collegium, which designated new Chief Justices for seven High Courts, including Jharkhand.
Points to Remember:
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Administered oath by Governor at Raj Bhavan.
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Attended by CM Hemant Soren and judiciary officials.
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Justice Rao was earlier Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court.
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His appointment follows a legal tussle between Centre and Jharkhand Govt.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
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Who was the first Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court?
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A) Altamas Kabir
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B) Vinod Kumar Gupta
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C) Gyan Sudha Misra
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D) P. K. Balasubramanyan
Answer: B) Vinod Kumar Gupta
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Which Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court later became the Chief Justice of India?
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A) R. Banumathi
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B) Altamas Kabir
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C) Aniruddha Bose
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D) Gyan Sudha Misra
Answer: B) Altamas Kabir
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