The Central Government has officially confirmed the appointment of four additional judges of the Madras High Court as permanent judges. 

Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal shared the announcement in a tweet, listing the judges who have been elevated to permanent positions.

(i) Justice Ramasamy Sakthivel

(ii) Justice P Dhanabal

(iii) Justice Chinnasamy Kumarappan, and

(iv) Justice Kandasamy Rajasekar

The Supreme Court Collegium had recommended their elevation as permanent judges during its meeting on February 20, 2025. The four judges were initially appointed as Additional Judges of the Madras High Court on May 19, 2023.  

Among them, Justice Sakthivel began his legal career in 1998 and later joined the District Judiciary in 2011 through direct recruitment. Over the years, he has held key positions, including Additional District Judge in Thanjavur and Coimbatore, Administrator General and Official Trustee (AGOT) of Tamil Nadu, Registrar General of the Madras High Court, and Principal District Judge of Coimbatore and Krishnagiri Districts.

Justice P. Dhanabal, who was serving as the Registrar General of the Madras High Court at the time of his elevation, joined the District Judiciary in 2011. Throughout his judicial career, he held various positions, including Additional District Munsif and Additional Sub Judge at Dharmapuri. He also served as III Additional District Judge, II Additional District Judge (PCR), and I Additional District Judge at Tirunelveli. Additionally, he held the posts of Principal District Judge, Cuddalore, and later, Chief Judge, Puducherry.

Justice C. Kumarappan, who entered the District Judiciary as a District Judge in 2011, served in Thoothukudi and Madurai districts. He also held key roles in the Registry of the Madras High Court, serving as Registrar (IT-cum-Statistics) and later as Registrar General. At the time of his elevation, he was the Presiding Officer of the Principal Labour Court, Chennai.

Justice K. Rajasekar, who entered the District Judiciary as a District Judge (Entry Level) in 2011, served in Namakkal, Salem, Chennai, Tirunelveli, and Coimbatore before his elevation as an Additional Judge of the Madras High Court.