Justice Mahesh Sharadchandra Sonak sworn in as chief justice of Jharkhand High Court

Justice Mahesh Sharadchandra Sonak was on Friday sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court . The oath of office was administered by Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar at a formal ceremony held at the Lok Bhavan in Ranchi. Chief Minister Hemant Soren and other senior officials and members of the judiciary were also present.

Born on November 28, 1964 , in Goa , Justice Sonak completed his schooling at Don Bosco High School, Panaji, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Dhempe College of Arts and Science. He later obtained his LL.B degree in first class from M.S. College of Law, Panaji, and enrolled as an advocate in October 1988 on the rolls of the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa.

Before joining the Bench, Justice Sonak practised chiefly at the Panaji Bench of the Bombay High Court, handling civil, constitutional, labour, service, environmental, commercial, company, and tax law cases. He also represented the Union Government as Additional Standing Counsel and served as Special Counsel for various state governments and statutory corporations.

Justice Sonak was elevated as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court on June 21, 2013, and was later confirmed as a permanent judge. During his judicial career, he has been part of landmark rulings in taxation law, personal liberty, environmental protection, and procedural safeguards against unlawful arrests. He also made headlines in 2024 for registering Goa’s first legally recognised living will , reflecting his commitment to constitutional principles and social issues.

Under the Constitution of India , High Court judges are appointed by the President of India in consultation with the Chief Justice of India and the state Governor. Justice Sonak’s elevation came following a recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium, after which he assumed charge following the retirement of incumbent Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan on January 8 upon attaining the age of 62, which is the mandatory retirement age for High Court judges.

As Chief Justice , Justice Sonak’s role is to uphold the rule of law and ensure that the Jharkhand High Court delivers justice in accordance with constitutional principles . His deep experience in public interest litigation and socially significant cases highlights his commitment to rights protection and procedural fairness , ensuring that every decision reflects justice, equity, and the values enshrined in the Constitution of India .

With over three decades in the legal profession and more than a decade on the Bench, Justice Sonak’s tenure is anticipated to bring dynamic leadership and deep legal insight to the Jharkhand judiciary at a critical time for the rule of law in the state.