Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, a distinguished judge of the Orissa High Court, has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court. The announcement was made on Wednesday by President Droupadi Murmu, following consultations with the Chief Justice of India, Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, and Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. The news was shared by Meghwal through a post on social media platform X.
In a parallel move, Justice Chandrashekhar of the Jharkhand High Court has been transferred to the Rajasthan High Court, reflecting the ongoing reshuffle within India’s judicial system.
Justice Sarangi’s Judicial Journey
Justice Sarangi’s journey to his new role has been marked by a series of notable accomplishments. He was appointed as a permanent judge of the Orissa High Court on June 20, 2013. His judicial prowess and leadership were recognized when he served as the Acting Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court after the retirement of the then Chief Justice, Justice Subhasis Talapatra, on October 3, 2023.
Born in Nayagarh, Justice Sarangi’s academic foundation is impressive. He earned his Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) and Master of Laws (LL.M) from M S Law College, Cuttack, and later achieved a Doctorate in Law (Ph.D) from Sambalpur University. His career in law began with his enrolment as a lawyer in December 1985, practicing before both the Orissa High Court and the Supreme Court of India.
Impressive Judicial Record
Throughout his tenure, Justice Sarangi has demonstrated an exceptional capacity for judicial work. According to the Orissa High Court’s official records, he has successfully disposed of over 152,000 cases and delivered approximately 1,500 reported judgments. His case portfolio has spanned a wide array of legal domains, including civil, criminal, constitutional, revenue, tax, labor, service, mining, education, electricity, insurance, banking, telecommunications, and election laws.
His comprehensive legal expertise has been recognized with the prestigious ‘Haricharan Mukherjee Memorial Award’ and a gold medal in 2002, awarded for his outstanding performance and high standard of professional ethics as a lawyer. This accolade reflects his commitment to legal excellence and ethical practice, marking him as a standout figure in the Indian judiciary.
Leadership and Vision
Justice Sarangi’s appointment as Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court is expected to bring his extensive experience and vision to the forefront of the state’s judiciary. Known for his thorough understanding of the law and a strong sense of justice, he is well-regarded for his judicial acumen and dedication to upholding the rule of law.
His leadership is anticipated to guide the Jharkhand High Court through complex legal challenges, ensuring that justice is served with integrity and impartiality. As Chief Justice, Sarangi will likely focus on streamlining judicial processes, reducing case backlogs, and fostering a culture of judicial excellence within the court.
Future Prospects and Expectations
The legal community and the public alike hold high expectations for Justice Sarangi as he steps into his new role. His past achievements indicate a readiness to handle the responsibilities and challenges that come with leading the Jharkhand High Court. The judiciary in Jharkhand stands to benefit from his strategic insights and commitment to fair legal practices.
With his comprehensive background and proven track record, Justice Sarangi’s tenure is anticipated to further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Jharkhand High Court. His leadership is expected to inspire confidence in the judicial system and ensure that justice is delivered promptly and equitably.
(With inputs from agencies)
