Justice Mahesh Sharadchandra Sonak sworn in as Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court

Justice Mahesh Sharadchandra Sonak was sworn in as the 18th Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court (HC) on Friday (January 9, 2026).

Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar administered the oath of office to him at a ceremony at the Lok Bhavan in Ranchi.

The Supreme Court Collegium had last month recommended the name of Justice Sonak, who served as a judge of the Bombay High Court, as the new Chief Justice of Jharkhand HC.

Justice Sonak took charge after incumbent Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan resigned from office on January 8 after reaching the age of 62.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar and other senior officials were present on the occasion.

The new Chief Justice was given a warm welcome by senior officials upon his arrival at the Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi on Thursday (January 8).

Judge Sonak was appointed as a Judge of the Bombay High Court on June 21, 2013 and will retire on November 27, 2026.

While Supreme Court justices retire at age 65, their Supreme Court counterparts leave office at age 62.