Justice KR Shriram Sworn in as Rajasthan High Court Chief Justice After Supreme Court Move
Supreme Court Collegium Sparks High Court Shuffle
The legal community in Rajasthan saw a pivotal change on July 21, 2025, when Justice Kalpathi Rajendran Shriram stepped in as the new Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court. This wasn’t a routine appointment — it followed a significant reshuffle engineered by the Supreme Court Collegium, aiming to refresh leadership across four high courts.
Justice Shriram's journey has been one of steady progress through India’s judicial ranks. He began his career in the Bombay High Court, later taking on responsibilities as Chief Justice of Madras High Court starting September 27, 2024. His record there earned notice, setting the stage for his recent posting in Rajasthan.
The transfer was officially set in motion when the Collegium issued a recommendation on May 26, 2025. Soon after, a gazette notification dated July 14 gave the green light, requiring Shriram to take charge without delay. At the Raj Bhavan swearing-in, he was welcomed by Governor Haribhau Bagde, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, and top judicial dignitaries. The presence of these political and judicial heavyweights highlighted the importance of the transition in Rajasthan’s top court.
Brief Tenure and a Career of Notable Transfers
This reshuffle wasn’t just about filling posts — it also involved moving Justice Manindra Mohan Srivastava from Rajasthan to Madras, highlighting the Supreme Court's focus on bringing experienced leadership to different corners of the judiciary. Shriram’s time at the Rajasthan High Court will be short but closely watched, as he is set to retire on September 27, 2025, barely two months after taking the role. That looming deadline puts instant pressure on him and the administration to keep the court running smoothly during this handover period.
It’s a pattern seen before in India’s judiciary, where career judges like Shriram, known for their steady competence, are called in for key roles — even if only for brief terms. Observers in legal circles see this as the Centre’s way of injecting new energy into courts where issues of backlog and leadership frequently arise.
Justice Shriram’s recent work in the Madras High Court gives him a strong foundation for the Rajasthan posting. Alumni from Bombay and Madras courts recall his practical approach in managing large case loads and sensitivity to both complex commercial disputes and everyday grievances. While his stint in Rajasthan will be short-lived due to mandatory retirement rules, it’s clear that his presence brings fresh authority at a crucial time.
For Rajasthan, this appointment is a moment of both continuity and change. With senior officials giving their backing and a brief window for impact, all eyes will be on how Justice KR Shriram steers the state’s top court in the closing phase of his judicial journey.