Justice Lisa Gill Becomes First Woman Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court

In a significant development for the judiciary, Justice Lisa Gill has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court , becoming the first woman to hold the position. The appointment, cleared by President Droupadi Murmu, follows recommendations made by the Supreme Court Collegium headed by the Chief Justice of India, reinforcing the Centre’s efforts to ensure timely leadership transitions in High Courts.

Justice Gill, who currently serves as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, is set to assume office on April 25 , immediately after the retirement of incumbent Chief Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur. Her appointment comes at a crucial juncture, with the court continuing to address rising case volumes and ongoing administrative reforms .

Her elevation aligns with the Collegium’s evolving approach of strategic transfers , under which judges are moved in advance to courts where they are likely to take over as Chief Justices. Justice Gill had been transferred earlier this year, allowing her to gain familiarity with the institution before stepping into the top role.

With a legal career spanning over three decades , Justice Gill brings extensive experience across criminal, civil, service, and constitutional law . A graduate of Panjab University, she began practice in 1990 and built a strong reputation at the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Elevated to the bench in 2014, she has handled cases involving government institutions and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.

Her appointment is widely seen as both symbolic and substantive. Beyond breaking a gender barrier , she is expected to enhance judicial efficiency and strengthen institutional processes . Legal observers believe her tenure could help accelerate case disposal and shape the court’s next phase of justice delivery .