The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the transfer of Justice Atul Sridharan from the Madhya Pradesh High Court to the Chhattisgarh High Court. The Collegium took this decision in its meetings held on August 25 and 26.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court Collegium has recently recommended the transfer of Justice Atul Sridharan from the Madhya Pradesh High Court to the Chhattisgarh High Court. This decision was taken in the Collegium meetings held on August 25 and 26, 2025. Justice Sridharan's transfer has been in the spotlight before. In April 2023, he was sent to the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, but was later brought back to Madhya Pradesh.
In his career, Justice Sridharan has taken several significant steps to protect the rights of marginalized patients and prisoners. His judicial approach has always been focused on equality and justice.
Profile of Justice Atul Sridharan
- Born: May 24, 1966
- Education: Law Degree, 1992
- High Court Appointment: April 7, 2016, Madhya Pradesh High Court
- Permanent Judge Appointment: March 17, 2018
Justice Sridharan began his judicial career at the Madhya Pradesh High Court and is known for his impartiality and social perspective. His name is also among the judges who refused to become Supreme Court judges.
Key Career Achievements
- Legal Aid for Marginalized Patients – Justice Sridharan ensured the protection of patients' rights in hospitals and medical facilities in many cases.
- Protecting the Rights of Prisoners – He issued several orders regarding the care and rights of prisoners in jails.
- Decisive Action in Minister Vijay Shah Case – He ordered that the FIR be registered immediately, failing which contempt proceedings would be initiated against the DGP. Justice Sridharan had said in this case, "Register the case now, I may not be alive tomorrow. I am giving four hours, either comply with the order or bring a stay from the Supreme Court. We will not listen to excuses. FIR should be registered by evening."
Justice Sridharan's judicial approach is considered sharp and effective in decision-making. His orders often promote fast-track action in the interest of society and the law.
Contribution to Social Justice and the Judiciary
Justice Sridharan began his legal practice after training under former Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium. This provided him with deep understanding and experience in law and the judiciary. His daughter has started practicing law in the District Court and at the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, due to which Justice Sridharan requested a transfer to avoid potential conflicts of interest in his position. Justice Sridharan's career is considered inspirational for protecting social justice and human rights. His initiatives include:
- Protecting the fundamental rights of prisoners
- Ensuring access to legal aid for marginalized patients
- Ensuring accountability of administrative officials and high-ranking officers
- These aspects have made him an influential and popular judge in the judiciary.
- Transfer and Controversy of Justice Atul Sridharan
Justice Sridharan's transfers are often a topic of discussion. His posting to the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, then his return to Madhya Pradesh, and now the decision for transfer to the Chhattisgarh High Court, have become subjects of discussion in the judicial community and the media.
