Overview

• Justice Kempaiah Somashekar was formally sworn in as the 9th Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court at a ceremony led by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan in Imphal on May 22, 2025.
• He succeeds Justice D. Krishnakumar, who retired on May 21, 2025, marking a seamless leadership transition within the judiciary.
• The Supreme Court Collegium recommended Justice Somashekar's appointment on May 15, with the President of India granting approval under Article 217(1) of the Constitution on May 20.
• Justice Somashekar has a distinguished judicial career spanning over 30 years, starting his legal practice in 1990 and serving in key roles across Karnataka’s judiciary.
• His tenure is expected to enhance judicial administration and case management in Manipur, leveraging his extensive experience as a District and Sessions Judge and other senior judicial roles.