THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Mumbai, Sept 5: Justice Shree Chandrashekhar was sworn in on Friday as the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court. Maharashtra Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan administered the oath of office and secrecy at a ceremony held at the Raj Bhavan.
Among those present were Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, and State Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla.
From Jharkhand Bench to Bombay’s Top Seat
Justice Chandrashekhar’s journey to Bombay stems from his extensive tenure in Ranchi, Jharkhand. He began his judicial career as an Additional Judge of the Jharkhand High Court on January 17, 2013, and was elevated to the position of Permanent Judge on June 27, 2014. He was appointed Acting Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court on December 29 2023. Justice Chandrashekhar was transferred to the Rajasthan High Court in July 2024 before arriving at the Bombay High Court in July 2025.
Born on May 25, 1965 and hailing from Muzaffarpur in Bihar, Justice Chandrashekhar was called to the Bar in 1993 after earning his LLB from Delhi University’s Campus Law Centre. He embarked on a notable legal career in Delhi, spanning nearly two decades in both civil and criminal law. During this period, he appeared in nearly 3,500 Supreme Court cases, with about 140 reported judgments, and served as standing counsel for the AICTE, Jharkhand State, Bihar State housing and electricity boards, and ICAR.
Transitions Across the Bench
Justice Chandrashekhar’s trajectory continued with a transfer to the Rajasthan High Court in mid-2024. By July 2025, he was moved to the Bombay High Court, where he served briefly as Acting Chief Justice before being elevated to Chief Justice on September 5.
The Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice B. R. Gavai, had recommended his elevation on August 25, 2025, paving the way for the Centre’s approval.
A Leader Tempered by Experience
Legal commentators highlight Justice Chandrashekhar’s rich dual experience—as a counsel and on the bench—as central to his reputation for balanced jurisprudence. His years representing state and technical institutions before the Supreme Court endowed him with a wide institutional perspective—beneficial in leading one of India’s largest High Courts.
Moreover, his journey through diverse high courts—Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Bombay—signals both depth and adaptability. Several legal analysts view his appointment as timely: the Bombay High Court currently operates with 82 judges, nearing its sanctioned strength of 94—making a strong, seasoned hand at the helm vital.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next
As Chief Justice, Justice Chandrashekhar inherits not only the responsibility of adjudication but also the administrative stewardship of a vast judicial apparatus. His experience managing complex legal institutions in Jharkhand—particularly as Acting Chief Justice—suggests readiness for the challenge of balancing docket backlog, court reforms, and institutional morale.
Reflecting on his career path, one might say: from the courtrooms of Ranchi to the corridors of Mumbai, his elevation is not just personal—it is emblematic of India’s interlinked judicial tapestry.
