Yesterday, the Central government notified the appointment of acting Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court as Chief Justice of the High Court.

A notification to this effect was published by the Ministry of Law & Justice.

"In exercise of the power conferred by clause (1) of Article 217 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Sarasa Venkatanarayana Bhatti, Judge, Kerala High Court, to be the Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office", the notification reads.

Earlier, on 19th April, the Supreme Court Collegium had recommended the appointment of Justice Bhatti as Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court, and not Acting Chief Justice.

The Collegium further noted that Justice Bhatti's experience as a senior puisne judge in two High Courts would be useful for him in dispensing justice as Chief Justice of the High Court of Kerala.

"Having regard to all relevant factors, the Collegium is of the considered view that Mr Justice S V Bhatti is fit and suitable in all respects to be appointed as Chief Justice of the High Court of Kerala," the Collegium resolution stated.

On April 22, the Central government notified Justice Bhatti's appointment as acting Chief Justice upon the retirement of former Chief Justice of the High Court, Justice S Manikumar on April 24.

Born on May 6, 1962, Justice Bhatti obtained Bachelor's Degree in Law from Jagadguru Renukacharya College, Bangalore. In January 1987 he enrolled in the Bar Council of Andhra Pradesh and started practice in the High Court of Judicature of AP at Hyderabad.

On April 12, 2013, Justice Bhatti was sworn-in as an additional judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court. In June 2014, he was appointed as a judge of the High Court of Judicature at Hyderabad for the State of Telangana and the State of Andhra Pradesh.

He was then transferred and appointed as a judge of the Kerala High Court on March 19, 2019.