IMPHAL, Nov 22: Justice D Krishnakumar was sworn in as the eighth Chief Justice of the High Court of Manipur on Friday. The oath of office was administered by Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya in a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan in Imphal.
Justice Krishnakumar’s appointment comes just two days after the Supreme Court Collegium recommended his name for the position on November 18. He replaces Justice Siddharth Mridul, who retired on November 21, 2024. Justice Krishnakumar had previously served as a judge at the Madras High Court, where he was known for his expertise in civil, constitutional, and service matters, particularly constitutional law. He was appointed to the Madras High Court on April 7, 2016, and is set to retire on May 21, 2025.
In his congratulatory message, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh expressed his anticipation of working with the new Chief Justice, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding citizens’ rights. “I look forward to working with you in furthering the cause of justice and ensuring that every citizen’s rights are safeguarded and respected. May your tenure be filled with wisdom, progress, and positive transformation for the people of Manipur,” Singh said in a post on X.
Justice Krishnakumar, who is also recognized for his background in the Backward Community, brings a unique and diverse perspective to his new role. His appointment comes at a critical time for Manipur, which has been grappling with escalating violence and unrest since May 2023, including rioting, arson, and targeted attacks.
