Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Justice Ravindra Ghuge Named Calcutta High Court Chief Justice
Justice Ravindra Ghuge is moving from the Bombay High Court to lead the Calcutta High Court.
The Centre officially announced the appointment on September 5, 2026.
He said goodbye at a farewell event after serving as a judge in Bombay for more than 13 years.
He had been leading a three-judge panel hearing a case about Maharashtra’s 10 percent Maratha reservation law.
Because he is moving, a new panel of three judges must be created.
The case might have to start again, which could make the decision take longer.
Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi is expected to become the new Bombay High Court Chief Justice.
Justice Ghuge also discussed his childhood and why he chose law instead of engineering.
During his career, he handled cases involving public health, water shortages, land and civic administration.
The Centre notified Justice Ravindra Ghuge’s appointment as Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court on September 5, 2026.
Justice Ghuge is leaving the Bombay High Court after more than 13 years, including service as Acting Chief Justice.
His transfer affects the Maharashtra Maratha reservation case, which was being heard by a special three-judge bench he headed.
A new three-judge bench will need to be formed, potentially requiring the case to be heard afresh and delaying a final ruling.
Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi has been appointed the next Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court and is expected to take oath on September 9.
- Who
- Justice Ravindra Ghuge, the Centre, the Bombay High Court and the Calcutta High Court are central to the development.
- What
- Justice Ghuge has been appointed Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, affecting the ongoing challenge to Maharashtra’s Maratha reservation law.
- When
- The Centre notified the appointment on September 5, 2026; Justice Ghuge’s farewell was reported on September 7, 2026, and Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi is expected to take oath on September 9.
- Where
- Justice Ghuge is moving from the Bombay High Court in Mumbai to the Calcutta High Court.
- Why
- His transfer changes the three-judge bench hearing the Maratha quota case, requiring a fresh bench and potentially delaying the proceedings.
- New appointment
- Justice Ravindra Ghuge has been appointed Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court.
- Notification date
- The Centre notified the appointment on September 5, 2026.
- Bombay High Court service
- Justice Ghuge served there for more than 13 years and most recently was Acting Chief Justice.
- Maratha reservation
- The challenged Maharashtra law provides 10 percent reservation to the Maratha community in education and public employment.
- Case impact
- A fresh three-judge bench must be constituted after Justice Ghuge’s transfer.
- Incoming Bombay Chief Justice
- Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi of the Allahabad High Court has been appointed to head the Bombay High Court.
- Expected oath
- Justice Tripathi is expected to take oath on September 9.