Who is Justice Lisa Gill, set to become first female CJ of Andhra High Court

New Delhi: The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended Justice Lisa Gill for appointment as the next Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

If approved by the President of India, she will become the first woman to head the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Collegium led by Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant on Thursday. The recommendation has been forwarded to the Central government for further action.

Two months ahead of the vacancy

The present Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur, is set to retire on April 24. In a new practice aimed at ensuring smoother transitions, the Collegium has decided to recommend appointments to Chief Justice positions two months before the incumbent demits office.

As part of this process, Justice Lisa Gill will first be transferred to the Andhra Pradesh High Court as a judge. She is expected to assume charge as Chief Justice the day after Justice Thakur retires, subject to Presidential approval.

The Collegium stated that this proactive approach is intended to strengthen judicial administration, enhance efficiency, and allow the incoming Chief Justice time to familiarize herself with the functioning and environment of the High Court before formally assuming office.

About Justice Lisa Gill

Justice Lisa Gill is currently serving as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, where she ranks third in seniority.

A native of Chandigarh, she completed her schooling at Carmel Convent School and earned a degree in Humanities from Government College for Women. She went on to obtain her LL.B. and LL.M. degrees from Panjab University.

She enrolled as an advocate in 1990 and began her legal practice at the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Over the years, she represented the Union Territory of Chandigarh and several public sector boards and corporations. She was elevated as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on March 31, 2014.

New convention in Chief Justice appointments

The Collegium, headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, has introduced a new convention in the appointment of High Court Chief Justices. According to a statement issued on Friday, names for Chief Justice posts will now be recommended at least two months prior to the retirement of the incumbent.

The Collegium noted that the move is aimed at improving institutional stability and administrative continuity. By transferring the proposed Chief Justice to the concerned High Court in advance, the appointee will be better positioned to take charge smoothly.

Speculation over Justice Thakur’s Elevation

Meanwhile, there is discussion in legal circles that Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur may be considered for elevation to the Supreme Court. If such a development materializes before his retirement, Justice Lisa Gill could assume charge earlier than expected.

The final decision now rests with the Central government and the President of India.