Justice Kempaiah Somashekar was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court today, succeeding Justice D. Krishnakumar, who retired on May 21 upon reaching the age of 62.
The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal, where Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey administered the oath of office to Justice Somashekar.
Career & Judicial Experience
Justice Somashekar began his legal career in 1990, practicing in Mysore and Chamarajanagar districts. He was directly appointed as a District and Sessions Judge in 1998 and served in various capacities across Karnataka, including as Principal District and Sessions Judge in multiple districts. He also held positions as Registrar Judicial and Registrar Vigilance at the Karnataka High Court.
Elevated to the Karnataka High Court as an Additional Judge on November 14, 2016, he became a Permanent Judge on November 3, 2018. His appointment as Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court was recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium on May 15, 2025, and subsequently notified by the Union Law Ministry on May 20, 2025.
Court Overview
Established on March 25, 2013, the Manipur High Court serves as the apex judicial authority in the state. Justice Somashekar becomes the ninth Chief Justice to lead the court since its inception.
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