In a significant development, the Supreme Court collegium has put forth the name of Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh, the senior-most judge of the Patna High Court, for the position of Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court. This recommendation was made following the retirement of Justice Subhasis Talapatra on October 3, 2023, which left the position of Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court vacant.
The collegium, led by Supreme Court Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, reached this decision, taking into account Justice Singh’s outstanding professional ethics and integrity. The resolution emphasized that Justice Singh had maintained high standards both at the Bar and on the Bench. It also noted that there was currently no representation from the High Court of Judicature at Patna among the Chief Justices of High Courts.
The collegium expressed its confidence in Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh, describing him as “fit and suitable in all respects” to assume the role of Chief Justice of the High Court of Orissa.
Justice Singh’s legal career has been marked by distinction. He was appointed as a judge of the Patna High Court on April 5, 2012, and has served as the senior-most puisne Judge. Prior to his judicial role, he practiced at the High Court of Judicature at Patna, specializing in constitutional, service, criminal, and arbitration matters.
During his 22-year legal practice, Justice Singh also held the position of Additional Advocate General for the state of Bihar from December 2010 until his elevation to the bench. Notably, during his tenure as a judge of the Bihar High Court, he authored 1246 reported judgments, with 562 of them being delivered in the last five years.
This recommendation by the Supreme Court collegium is poised to have a significant impact on the judicial landscape, as Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh’s extensive experience and impeccable track record make him a strong candidate for the role of Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court.
