The Supreme Court Collegium has announced a policy where High Court judges proposed to take over as Chief Justices of other High Courts may be transferred well in advance of the anticipated vacancy.

Under the new policy, the Collegium has proposed that a judge who is in line to become a High Court Chief Justice may be transferred to that Court about two months before the post officially falls vacant.

The move is intended to give the incoming Chief Justice time to get familiar with the court’s functioning and administrative setup, so that when the current Chief Justice retires, the transition is smooth and there is no disruption in the court’s work.

"So that such recommendee in the meantime becomes well conversant with the affairs of that High Court and assumes charge of the office of Chief Justice," said a note issued by the Supreme Court Collegium.

The Collegium added that the step is aimed at improving the efficiency and quality of justice delivery by ensuring a smoother transition in leadership.

In line with its newly adopted policy, the Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the transfer of Justice Lisa Gill from the High Court of Punjab and Haryana to the High Court of Andhra Pradesh.

If the Central government agrees with the recommendation, her initial appointment at the Andhra Pradesh High Court will be as a puisne judge and she will take over as its Chief Justice roughly after two months, on April 25.

The policy was decided by the Supreme Court Collegium at its meeting held on February 26, 2026.

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