New Delhi, Apr 9 (UNI) The President of India has appointed Justice Sanjeev Kumar, the senior-most judge of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, as the Acting Chief Justice of the High Court with effect from April 10, 2025.
This appointment follows the retirement of Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan, who demits office on April 9, 2025.
A notification issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice stated:
“In exercise of the power conferred by Article 223 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Judge of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, to perform the duties of office of the Chief Justice of that High Court with effect from 10.04.2025 consequent upon the retirement of Shri Justice Tashi Rabastan, Chief Justice, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court on 09.04.2025.”
Born on April 8, 1966, in Prehta Nagrota village, Tehsil Basohli, District Kathua, Justice Sanjeev Kumar completed his B.Sc. from Government Degree College, Kathua in 1985 and earned his LLB from the University of Jammu in 1988, both with first division. He was enrolled as an advocate by the J&K Bar Council in February 1989.
Justice Kumar served as Government Advocate for both the Srinagar and Jammu Wings of the High Court of J&K at different intervals between 1992 and 1998. He represented several government departments and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), including the Forest Department, Finance Department, Commercial Taxes, and Excise.
From 2006 to 2012, he was also standing counsel for the J&K Services Selection Board (SSB). Throughout his legal career, he appeared in numerous high-profile cases, such as the Toshakhana Case, the Assembly Dissolution matter, and the Reservation in Promotion case, among others. He has over 200 reported judgements to his credit.
Justice Sanjeev Kumar was elevated as a permanent judge of the J&K High Court on June 6, 2017.
His appointment as Acting Chief Justice is expected to bring continuity and experience to the High Court’s leadership during the transition.
