The Ministry of Law and Justice, on Wednesday, announced the appointments of acting Chief Justices for the Madhya Pradesh High Court and Madras High Court.
For the Madras High Court, Justice R. Mahadevan has been appointed as the Acting Chief Justice, effective from May 24, 2024. This appointment follows the retirement of Justice Sanjay V. Gangapurwala on May 23, 2024. Justice Mahadevan, born on June 10, 1963, in Chennai, holds a law degree from Madras Law College.
With over 25 years of legal experience, he specialised in civil, criminal, and writ cases, particularly in indirect taxes, customs, and Central Excise matters. Prior to his appointment, he served as an Additional Government Pleader (Taxes) for the Government of Tamil Nadu and as a Senior Panel Counsel for the Government of India at Madras High Court.
In the case of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, Justice Sheel Nagu has been appointed as the Acting Chief Justice, effective from May 25, 2024. This appointment follows the retirement of Justice Ravi Vijay Kumar Malimath on May 24, 2024.
Justice Nagu, appointed as a Judge of the High Court of Madhya Pradesh on May 27, 2011, has a background in Constitutional, service, labour, and criminal cases.
Over his tenure of more than 12 years, he has authored over 499 reported judgments. Additionally, on December 27, 2023, the Supreme Court collegium recommended Justice Sheel Nagu for appointment as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana, citing his suitability and fitness for the role.
These appointments mark significant transitions in the leadership of these high courts, ensuring the continuity of judicial functions and the administration of justice.
With their extensive legal backgrounds and experience, Justice Mahadevan and Justice Nagu are expected to uphold the principles of justice and fairness in their respective jurisdictions.