Justice Kempaiah Somashekar of the Karnataka High Court has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court. The announcement was made through a notification issued by the Union Law Ministry on Tuesday.

The appointment follows the recommendation made by the Supreme Court collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, at its meeting on May 15. Justice Somashekar’s elevation comes just days before the incumbent Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court, Justice D. Krishnakumar, is set to retire on May 21 upon reaching the age of 62.

Justice Somashekar’s appointment is seen as part of ongoing efforts to ensure continuity and timely succession in the higher judiciary.