Yesterday, the Central government notified the appointment of Justice SV Bhatti as Acting Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court with effect from April 24.

Justice Bhatti will take over the post after the retirement of the current Chief Justice S Manikumar.

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

"In exercise of the power conferred by Article 223 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Sarasa Venkatanarayana Bhatti, senior-most puisne Judge of Kerala High Court, to perform the duties of the office of the Chief Justice of that High Court with effect from 24.04.2023 consequent upon the retirement of Shri Justice S. Mani Kumar, Chief Justice, Kerala High Court," the notification reads.

The Collegium 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.

Moreover, there is no judge of the High Court of Andhra Pradesh serving as Chief Justice of any High Court, the Collegium further had said.

"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.