Centre Appoints Justice Vibhu Bakhru as Interim Chief Justice of Delhi High Court
New Delhi: On Tuesday, the Central Government appointed Justice Vibhu Bakhru as the Acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, following the promotion of Chief Justice Manmohan to the Supreme Court.
The notification from the Union Ministry of Law and Justice stated, “In accordance with the powers granted by Article 223 of the Constitution of India, the President has appointed Justice Vibhu Bakhru, a Judge of the Delhi High Court, to take on the responsibilities of Acting Chief Justice, effective immediately after Justice Manmohan steps down following his elevation to the Supreme Court.”
Constitutional Provision
As per Article 223 of the Indian Constitution, the President holds the authority to appoint any puisne judge to act as Chief Justice when the position becomes vacant or if the incumbent is unable to perform their duties.
About Justice Vibhu Bakhru
Justice Bakhru, born in Nagpur in 1966, pursued his education in Delhi. He earned a B.Com (Hons) degree from Delhi University, qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1989, and completed his LLB in 1990. That same year, he was enrolled as an Advocate with the Bar Council of Delhi and began practicing in the Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, Company Law Board, and various Tribunals. He was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Delhi High Court on April 17, 2013, and later became a Permanent Judge on March 18, 2015.
Justice Bakhru’s extensive legal career and commitment to justice have earned him recognition in both legal circles and public life. His leadership in complex legal cases, particularly involving commercial law and constitutional matters, has positioned him as a respected figure in the legal community. His appointment as Acting Chief Justice comes at a critical time, as the Delhi High Court deals with an ever-increasing number of cases and a growing demand for legal reforms.
Justice Manmohan’s Elevation to the Supreme Court
Earlier in the day, the Central Government announced Justice Manmohan’s elevation to the Supreme Court. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal confirmed the move in a post on X, stating that the President, after consultations with the Chief Justice of India (CJI), approved Justice Manmohan’s promotion. The Supreme Court Collegium had recommended his name for elevation, citing the need for increased representation from the Delhi High Court in the apex court.
Justice Manmohan’s elevation marks a significant development, as his tenure at the Delhi High Court witnessed landmark judgments and considerable reforms in the judicial process. His move to the Supreme Court is expected to further strengthen its jurisprudence, particularly in areas concerning high-profile constitutional matters.
Justice Manmohan’s Tenure
Justice Manmohan was appointed as a judge of the Delhi High Court in March 2008 and had served as its Chief Justice since September 29. He holds the second position in the all-India seniority list of High Court judges and was the senior-most judge in the Delhi High Court. During his tenure, Justice Manmohan was known for his innovative approach to legal challenges and his emphasis on enhancing the efficiency and transparency of the judicial system. His contribution to shaping the Delhi High Court as a model for other judicial bodies across the country will be long remembered.
The Delhi High Court, under his leadership, expanded its influence and served as a crucial center for constitutional law in India. With his elevation to the Supreme Court, the judiciary is expected to benefit from his vast experience in tackling complex legal issues that often transcend the traditional boundaries of law.
