The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended Justice Sudhir Singh as Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court. He is now the Acting Chief Justice of the Patna High Court. The Collegium, headed by CJI Surya Kant, met on 26 October 2026. However, the appointment takes effect only after the Centre clears it and the President notifies it. So, the state may soon get a regular Chief Justice again.
Four Chief Justices Recommended Together
Notably, the Collegium recommended four judges for Chief Justice posts that day. Justice P. Sam Koshy goes to the Delhi High Court. Meanwhile, the Collegium named Justice Manash Ranjan Pathak for the Gujarat High Court. Similarly, Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty goes to the Telangana High Court.
Who Is Justice Sudhir Singh?
Justice Singh enrolled as an advocate in 1991. Earlier, he served as Assistant Solicitor General of India at the Patna High Court. Then he became an Additional Judge there on 15 April 2015. Also, his father, Justice N.P. Singh, was a Supreme Court judge. In July 2026, the President appointed him Acting Chief Justice of the Patna High Court. According to The Pioneer, his retirement falls due on 10 December 2027.
Why Uttarakhand Needs a New Chief Justice
Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta retired on 8 October 2026. He had come from the Allahabad High Court in January 2026. After that, the President made senior judge Manoj Kumar Tiwari the Acting Chief Justice. His charge began on 9 October 2026.
How a High Court Chief Justice Is Appointed
Under Article 217, the President appoints High Court judges. Before that, he consults the Chief Justice of India and the state Governor. Meanwhile, a Collegium of the CJI and two senior-most judges recommends names. Also, a policy brings Chief Justices from outside their own states. Further, Article 223 lets the President name an Acting Chief Justice. The Uttarakhand High Court began at Nainital on 9 November 2000. Recently, the Supreme Court cleared its shift to Haldwani.
Justice Sudhir Singh: Key Facts for Revision
- Recommended as: Chief Justice, Uttarakhand High Court
- Collegium meeting: 26 October 2026
- Parent High Court: Patna (Acting Chief Justice since July 2026)
- Previous Chief Justice: Manoj Kumar Gupta, retired 8 October 2026
- Acting Chief Justice now: Manoj Kumar Tiwari, from 9 October 2026
Why Justice Sudhir Singh Matters for UKPSC
Notably, UKPSC often asks about the state’s High Court. So, remember the Collegium date, the parent High Court and the acting arrangement. Also, link Article 217 with Article 223. For official updates, also visit the Supreme Court of India. Next, for a related story, read the Uttarakhand High Court Chief Justices list. You can also download our free Uttarakhand Current Affairs magazine.
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