Justice Lisa Gill has been sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court. The oath ceremony marks a significant development in the Indian judiciary, as she becomes the first woman to hold this position in the court’s history.
Appointment and Swearing-in:
Justice Lisa Gill took oath in April 2026, succeeding Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur, who retired upon attaining the age of superannuation. Her appointment was made by the President of India under constitutional provisions, in consultation with the Chief Justice of India.
Background and Career:
Justice Lisa Gill previously served as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court since 2014. She was transferred to the Andhra Pradesh High Court in March 2026 before being elevated as Chief Justice. She has extensive experience in civil, criminal, constitutional, and service law matters.
About Andhra Pradesh High Court
The Andhra Pradesh High Court is located at Amaravati and functions as the highest judicial authority in the state. It has a sanctioned strength of around 37 judges and plays a key role in constitutional interpretation, judicial review, and protection of fundamental rights.
Appointment of High Court Judges:
Governed by Articles 214–231 of the Constitution of India.
Chief Justice of a High Court is appointed by the President of India.
Collegium System:
Recommendations for appointment are made by the Supreme Court Collegium headed by the Chief Justice of India.
Retirement Age:
High Court judges retire at 62 years.
Transfer of Judges:
Governed by Article 222 of the Constitution.
Hierarchy:
High Courts are below the Supreme Court of India and above subordinate courts.
Gender Representation:
Women judges constitute a relatively small percentage of the higher judiciary, making such appointments significant.
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