Jaipur: President Droupadi Murmu has issued the warrant appointing Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal as the new Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court, marking a significant change in the judicial administration of the state.
The Union Ministry of Law and Justice subsequently issued the formal notification following approval of the appointment. Justice Agrawal is expected to take oath on Monday morning at Raj Bhavan, where Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde is scheduled to administer the oath of office and secrecy.
End to Nearly 11-Month Acting Arrangement
The Rajasthan High Court had been functioning under an acting Chief Justice arrangement for nearly 11 months. Justice Agrawal’s appointment provides the court with a permanent Chief Justice and is expected to bring greater continuity to judicial administration.
The appointment follows a recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium earlier this week. The Collegium also recommended appointments and transfers involving several other High Courts.
From Bilaspur to the High Court Bench
Born on July 15, 1965, in Ratanpur in Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh, Justice Agrawal completed his early education in Ratanpur. He obtained his B.Sc. and LL.B. degrees from Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, followed by an LL.M. from Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur.
He began practising law on January 3, 1989. During his legal career, he appeared in civil, criminal and constitutional matters before district courts, the Madhya Pradesh High Court at Jabalpur and the Chhattisgarh High Court.
Before his elevation to the Bench, Justice Agrawal also served as Advocate General of Chhattisgarh and represented several important institutions, including the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission.
More Than a Decade on the Bench
Justice Agrawal was appointed an Additional Judge of the Chhattisgarh High Court in September 2013 and became a permanent judge in March 2016. He also recently served as Acting Chief Justice of the Chhattisgarh High Court.
His extensive experience in constitutional, civil and criminal matters is expected to be significant as he assumes charge of the Rajasthan High Court.
The appointment comes at a time when courts across the country continue to focus on reducing case pendency and improving judicial administration. His tenure in Rajasthan will therefore be closely watched by the legal community and litigants.
Other High Court Appointments
Alongside Justice Agrawal’s appointment, several other Chief Justice-level changes have been announced:
Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati — Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court
Justice V. Kameshwar Rao — Patna High Court
Justice Ravindra V. Ghuge — Calcutta High Court
Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi — Bombay High Court
Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra — Punjab and Haryana High Court
Justice Krishna Rao Mahapatra — Chhattisgarh High Court
Justice Alpesh Yashwant Kogje — Madhya Pradesh High Court
Justice Agrawal’s appointment is expected to usher in a new phase for the Rajasthan High Court, with judicial efficiency, case disposal and administrative continuity likely to remain key priorities.
