Introduction to Acting Chief Justice J&K Ladakh
The Acting Chief Justice J&K Ladakh appointment became official on June 1, 2026, when the Central Government notified Justice Sanjeev Kumar to fill the top judicial post at the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
According to LiveLaw, the appointment was triggered by the elevation of then-Chief Justice Arun Palli to the Supreme Court of India — one of five judicial elevations notified by the Centre on the same day.
The notification was issued by the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, invoking powers under Article 223 of the Constitution of India, which empowers the President to appoint an Acting Chief Justice when the office falls vacant.
Background: Acting Chief Justice J&K Ladakh
The vacancy at the helm of the J&K and Ladakh High Court arose when Justice Arun Palli, the court’s 38th Chief Justice, was elevated to the Supreme Court of India.
As reported by Bar & Bench, Justice Arun Palli had taken oath as the 38th Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh on April 16, 2025, having previously served as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court from December 2013.
The Supreme Court Collegium recommended Justice Palli’s elevation to the apex court in meetings held on May 22 and May 27, 2026, according to The Kashmir Images and Daily Excelsior. The Central Government acted swiftly, notifying his elevation alongside four others on June 1, 2026.
- Justice Arun Palli served as the 38th Chief Justice of the J&K and Ladakh High Court from April 16, 2025, until his Supreme Court elevation on June 1, 2026.
- The Supreme Court Collegium recommended his elevation in back-to-back meetings on May 22 and May 27, 2026.
- Justice Sanjeev Kumar is among the senior-most judges of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, making him the appropriate choice under constitutional convention for the acting role.
Justice Sanjeev Kumar’s own judicial career is well-established. According to Bar & Bench, he was born on April 8, 1966, obtained his law degree from the University of Jammu in 1989, and enrolled as an advocate the same year.
He previously served as Senior Additional Advocate General for the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir before being appointed as a permanent Judge of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir on June 6, 2017.
This is not Justice Sanjeev Kumar’s first stint in the acting role. He had previously been appointed Acting Chief Justice in April 2025 following the retirement of then-Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan, prior to Justice Arun Palli’s appointment, per the pre-verified research.
What the Government Notified
The official government notification, as reproduced by LiveLaw, invoked Article 223 of the Constitution of India and directed Justice Sanjeev Kumar to perform the duties of Chief Justice effective June 1, 2026.
The notification reads: “In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 223 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Judge of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, to perform the duties of the office of the Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh consequent upon appointment of Shri Justice Arun Palli, Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India.”
Separately, a Full Court Reference was held on the morning of June 1, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. in the Chief Justice’s Courtroom at the Srinagar Wing of the High Court to formally bid farewell to Chief Justice Arun Palli, according to LiveLaw and Daily Excelsior.
The Full Court Reference proceedings were conducted by Registrar General M. K. Sharma, with sitting judges including Justices Sindhu Sharma, Rajnesh Oswal, Sanjay Dhar, Mohd. Akram Chowdhary, Rahul Bharti, Moksha Khajuria Kazmi, Wasim Sadiq Nargal, Rajesh Sekhri, Mohd. Yousuf Wani, Sanjay Parihar, and Shahzad Azeem in attendance, as reported by Daily Excelsior.
What It Means for You
Justice Sanjeev Kumar will continue to serve as Acting Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh until the Central Government appoints a regular Chief Justice, as confirmed by Bar & Bench.
For litigants, lawyers, and citizens governed by the J&K and Ladakh High Court’s jurisdiction, judicial administration continues uninterrupted under the leadership of Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar.
Read more at The Courtroom. Original report: LiveLaw.
Who is the current Acting Chief Justice of the J&K and Ladakh High Court?
Justice Sanjeev Kumar was appointed Acting Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh by the Central Government on June 1, 2026, following the elevation of Chief Justice Arun Palli to the Supreme Court of India.
Under which constitutional provision was Justice Sanjeev Kumar appointed Acting Chief Justice?
The appointment was made under Article 223 of the Constitution of India, which empowers the President to appoint a judge of a High Court to perform the duties of the Chief Justice when that office is vacant or the Chief Justice is unable to perform duties.
What is Justice Arun Palli’s background, and why did he leave the J&K High Court?
Justice Arun Palli served as the 38th Chief Justice of the J&K and Ladakh High Court from April 16, 2025. He was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on June 1, 2026, following recommendations by the Supreme Court Collegium in meetings held on May 22 and May 27, 2026.
How long will Justice Sanjeev Kumar serve as Acting Chief Justice?
According to Bar & Bench, Justice Sanjeev Kumar will serve as Acting Chief Justice until a new regular Chief Justice is appointed by the Central Government.
Final Thoughts on Acting Chief Justice J&K Ladakh
The appointment of Acting Chief Justice J&K Ladakh Justice Sanjeev Kumar on June 1, 2026, ensures seamless judicial continuity at the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh following the well-deserved elevation of Justice Arun Palli to the Supreme Court of India.
With his extensive experience as Senior Additional Advocate General and nearly a decade on the High Court bench, Justice Sanjeev Kumar is well-positioned to lead the court until a permanent appointment is made.
Stay updated at The Courtroom.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws may change or vary by case — consult a qualified lawyer before acting. The Courtroom is not liable for any reliance on this content.
