New Delhi, Jan 3: Justice Revati Prashant Mohite Dere has been appointed as the new Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court, marking an important transition in the leadership of the constitutional court in the northeastern state. The appointment was notified through a presidential order issued on January 1, 2026.
Currently a judge of the Bombay High Court, Justice Mohite Dere will take over as Chief Justice following the transfer of the incumbent Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court, Justice Soumen Sen. The appointment has been made under Article 217 of the Constitution, which empowers the President of India to appoint judges and chief justices of high courts.
Justice Mohite Dere is widely regarded for her long and distinguished judicial career. Her elevation to head the Meghalaya High Court is expected to bring continuity, stability and administrative experience to the relatively young high court, which plays a crucial role in safeguarding constitutional rights in the region.
As part of the same judicial reshuffle, Justice Soumen Sen has been transferred to the Kerala High Court, where he will assume office as Chief Justice following the retirement of Justice Nitin Madhukar Jamdar on January 9, 2026. The transfer has been carried out under Article 222 of the Constitution, after due consultation with the Chief Justice of India, as per established procedure.
The reshuffle also includes another significant appointment in eastern India. Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo, currently serving as a judge of the Orissa High Court, has been appointed Chief Justice of the Patna High Court. His elevation will take effect from the date he assumes charge.
The notifications relating to the appointments and transfers were issued by the Appointments Division of the Department of Justice under the Ministry of Law and Justice. They were signed by Jagannath Srinivasan, Joint Secretary to the Government of India, and issued from the ministry’s offices at Jaisalmer House in New Delhi.
Officials described the changes as part of routine judicial administration aimed at ensuring the efficient functioning of high courts across the country. Such transfers and appointments, they said, are intended to balance judicial experience, strengthen institutional leadership and maintain the smooth delivery of justice.
With these appointments, the higher judiciary enters the new year with fresh leadership in several key high courts, reflecting the ongoing efforts to reinforce India’s constitutional framework.
