The unusually large number of acting CJs over the last two months was largely the result of routine transfers, retirements, as well as a direct effect of the government's decision to expand the Supreme Court's sanctioned strength from 33 to 37 judges (excluding the Chief Justice of India) through the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026 and later, the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Act, 2026.
The move led to four High Court Chief Justices being elevated to the Supreme Court in one go, resulting in sudden vacancies in the High Courts and consequent appointment of Acting CJs.
Three other High Courts were also helmed by Acting CJs due to regular retirement of their respective incumbent CJs.
The High Courts with Acting CJs as of July 20, 2026 were:
The unusually large number of acting CJs over the last two months was largely the result of routine transfers, retirements, as well as a direct effect of the government's decision to expand the Supreme Court's sanctioned strength from 33 to 37 judges (excluding the Chief Justice of India) through the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026 and later, the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Act, 2026.
The move led to four High Court Chief Justices being elevated to the Supreme Court in one go, resulting in sudden vacancies in the High Courts and consequent appointment of Acting CJs.
Three other High Courts were also helmed by Acting CJs due to regular retirement of their respective incumbent CJs.
The High Courts with Acting CJs as of July 20, 2026 were:
