On May 20, 2025, the President of India appointed Justice Kempaiah Somashekar, a seasoned judge of the Karnataka High Court, as the new Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court. This significant judicial appointment, announced just before the retirement of incumbent Chief Justice D. Krishnakumar on May 21, 2025, underscores the importance of experienced leadership in India’s judicial system. For competitive exam aspirants, this development is vital for understanding key judicial appointments, the role of the Supreme Court Collegium, and the functioning of high courts in India, particularly in the Northeast.
Justice Kempaiah Somashekar brings over three decades of legal and judicial experience to his new role. Beginning his career in 1990, he practiced law in Mysore and Chamarajanagar, handling both civil and criminal cases. In 1998, he was appointed as a District and Sessions Judge through direct recruitment, showcasing his early prominence in the judiciary. His elevation to the Karnataka High Court as an Additional Judge in July 2016, followed by his confirmation as a Permanent Judge in July 2018, highlights his steady rise in the judicial hierarchy.
Justice Somashekar’s extensive experience in Karnataka’s judicial system equips him to lead the Manipur High Court, one of India’s newer high courts, established in 2013, during a critical period for the Northeast region.
The appointment of Justice Somashekar was formalized on May 20, 2025, following a recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai. The collegium, comprising three senior judges, evaluated his credentials to fill the vacancy left by Chief Justice D. Krishnakumar, who retired on May 21, 2025. The announcement was made public by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal via a post on X on the same day, reflecting the transparency of the process.
The appointment adheres to the constitutional framework outlined in Article 217 of the Constitution of India, which mandates that high court judges, including chief justices, are appointed by the President of India in consultation with the Chief Justice of India and the Governor of the state. This process underscores the collaborative role of the judiciary and executive in maintaining judicial independence.
Established on March 25, 2013, the Manipur High Court serves as the apex judicial body for the state of Manipur, handling both civil and criminal cases. As one of the newer high courts in India, alongside those of Meghalaya and Tripura, it plays a critical role in delivering justice in the Northeast, a region with unique socio-political challenges. The Chief Justice of a high court is responsible for judicial administration, overseeing case disposals, and ensuring speedy justice delivery, which is particularly vital in a region navigating sensitive issues like ethnic conflicts and insurgency.
Justice Somashekar’s appointment is expected to ensure continuity in judicial oversight, leveraging his experience to address pending cases—over 4,200 cases were pending in the Manipur High Court as of April 2025—and strengthen the court’s administrative framework.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Appointee | Justice Kempaiah Somashekar |
| Position | Chief Justice, Manipur High Court |
| Appointment Date | May 20, 2025 |
| Appointing Authority | President of India |
| Recommended by | Supreme Court Collegium, headed by CJI B.R. Gavai |
| Predecessor | Justice D. Krishnakumar (retired on May 21, 2025) |
| Service Background | Legal practice (1990), District Judge (1998), Karnataka HC Judge (2016) |
This appointment is a key topic for competitive exams like UPSC, State PSC, and Judicial Services exams, where questions on judicial appointments, constitutional provisions, and current affairs are common. Aspirants should note the role of the Supreme Court Collegium in judicial appointments, the significance of Article 217, and the administrative challenges faced by newer high courts like Manipur’s. The appointment also highlights the importance of judicial leadership in addressing regional issues in the Northeast.
On May 20, 2025, Justice Kempaiah Somashekar was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court by the President of India, following a recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium led by CJI B.R. Gavai. Succeeding Justice D. Krishnakumar, who retired on May 21, 2025, Justice Somashekar brings over three decades of judicial experience from Karnataka. The appointment strengthens the Manipur High Court, established in 2013, amidst regional challenges. This topic is crucial for exams, covering judicial processes, constitutional provisions, and Northeast governance.
- Appointment: Justice Kempaiah Somashekar appointed Chief Justice of Manipur High Court on May 20, 2025.
- Appointing Authority: President of India, based on Supreme Court Collegium recommendation.
- Predecessor: Justice D. Krishnakumar, retired on May 21, 2025.
- Background: Legal practice since 1990, District Judge (1998), Karnataka HC Judge (2016).
- Manipur High Court: Established in 2013, handles over 4,200 pending cases as of April 2025.
- Constitutional Provision: Appointment under Article 217 of the Constitution of India.
- Significance: Ensures judicial continuity and speedy justice in the Northeast.