Centre Notifies Appointment Of Justice S.V. Bhatti As Acting Chief Justice Of Kerala High Court

The Central Government has notified the appointment of Justice S.V. Bhatti as the Acting Chief Justice of Kerala High Court with effect from April 24, 2023, informed Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju through Twitter. 

The present Chief Justice of Kerala High Court S. Manikumar, is set to retire on the aforementioned date. 

Earlier this week, the Supreme Court collegium headed by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud had recommended Justice S.V. Bhatti as the next Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court.

Justice Bhatti is the senior-most Judge from the Andhra Pradesh High Court, who is presently functioning, on transfer as the senior-most judge of the High Court of Kerala. 

"His experience as a senior puisne Judge in two High Courts would be useful for him in dispensing justice as Chief Justice of the High Court of Kerala. Presently, there is no judge of the High Court of Andhra Pradesh is serving as Chief Justice. Having regard to all relevant factors, the Collegium is of the considered view that Mr Justice S V Bhatti is fit and suitable in all respects to be appointed as Chief Justice of the High Court of Kerala," the Collegium had stated.