Justice Kempaiah Somashekar has been appointed as the new Chief Justice of the High Court of Manipur. The appointment, made by the President of India, follows the recommendation of the Supreme Court Collegium on May 15, 2025, and comes ahead of the retirement of the current Chief Justice, D. Krishnakumar, which is scheduled for May 21, 2025. The Central Government officially notified the appointment on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

Justice Somashekar's career in law began on January 27, 1990, when he enrolled as an advocate. He practiced in the districts of Mysore and Chamarajanagar, handling both civil and criminal cases. His dedication and expertise led to his direct appointment as a District and Sessions Judge on June 17, 1998. Over the years, he served in various capacities, including Additional Districts and Sessions Judge at Bijapur (Vijayapura), City Civil Court in Bangalore, and Principal District and Sessions Judge in Uttara Kannada, Karwar District, Hassan, Bangalore Rural District, and Chitradurga. He also held the positions of Registrar Judicial and Registrar Vigilance at the High Court of Karnataka.

On November 14, 2016, Justice Somashekar was elevated as an Additional Judge of the Karnataka High Court, and he became a permanent judge on November 3, 2018. Born on September 15, 1963, in a remote village in the Chamarajnagar District, Justice Somashekar holds the distinction of being the first lawyer from his village.

The appointment of Justice Somashekar as Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court is a significant event, especially considering the challenging law and order situation that the state has been facing. His extensive experience in the judiciary is expected to bring strong and stable leadership to the High Court.

The Supreme Court Collegium, responsible for recommending judicial appointments, played a crucial role in Justice Somashekar's elevation. The Collegium, typically headed by the Chief Justice of India, deliberates and makes recommendations based on the merit and suitability of candidates. In this instance, the Collegium's recommendation was promptly acted upon by the government, ensuring a smooth transition in leadership at the Manipur High Court.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal announced the appointment on X, stating, "In exercise of the power conferred by the Constitution of India, the President of India, after consultation with Chief Justice of India, is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Kempaiah Somashekar, Judge of the Karnataka High Court as Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court."

Justice Somashekar's appointment comes at a crucial time for the Manipur High Court. His experience and insights are expected to provide valuable guidance to the court.