THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Jan 2: The Central Government on Friday notified the appointment of Justice M. S. Sonak, a judge of the Bombay High Court, as the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court, following the impending retirement of incumbent Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan.
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal announced the appointment through a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Appointment ahead of incumbent CJ’s retirement
Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan is scheduled to retire on January 8, 2026. Justice Sonak will assume charge thereafter.
The appointment follows the recommendation made by the Supreme Court Collegium on December 18, 2025.
Justice MS Sonak: Background and career
Born on November 28, 1964, Justice M. S. Sonak completed his schooling from Don Bosco High School, Panaji, Goa. He earned his B.Sc. degree from Dhempe College of Arts and Science and completed his LL.B. from M. S. College of Law, Panaji, affiliated to Bombay University, securing First Class.
He enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa in October 1988 and practised at the Panaji Bench of the Bombay High Court.
Justice Sonak’s areas of practice included civil and constitutional law, labour and service law, environmental law, commercial and tax laws, company law, and public interest litigation.
Served as counsel for Centre and State
During his legal career, Justice Sonak served as Additional Standing Counsel for the Central Government, Special Counsel for the State Government, and represented various statutory corporations.
He was elevated as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court on June 21, 2013.
Part of larger reshuffle of High Court Chief Justices
Justice Sonak’s appointment is part of a larger reshuffle of Chief Justices of High Courts, cleared by the Centre based on recommendations of the Supreme Court Collegium headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.
In related notifications:
- Justice Soumen Sen, Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court, has been transferred as Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court
- Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo of the Orissa High Court has been appointed Chief Justice of the Patna High Court
- Justice Revati Prashant Mohite Dere of the Bombay High Court has been appointed Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court
The Collegium recommendations were made during its meeting on December 18, 2025.
