The judiciary in the Himalayan state of Sikkim entered a new era on January 4, 2026. On this day, Justice A Muhamed Mustaque was officially sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court. The ceremony took place at the Lok Bhawan in Gangtok. It was a significant event for the legal fraternity of the state. Consequently, the Justice A Muhamed Mustaque Sikkim appointment has filled a critical vacancy in the nation’s smallest High Court.
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Governor Om Prakash Mathur administered the oath of office to the new Chief Justice. The function was attended by several high-ranking dignitaries. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang was present to witness the ceremony. Members of the State Cabinet and senior government officials also attended. This high-profile gathering underscored the importance of the judicial leadership transition in the state.
The Path of Justice A Muhamed Mustaque Sikkim Appointment
The elevation of Justice Mustaque follows a clear constitutional process. On December 18, 2025, the Supreme Court Collegium made its recommendation. This body was headed by the Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant. Soon after, the Central Government cleared the appointment on January 3, 2026. President Droupadi Murmu then approved the warrant of appointment. As a result, the Justice A Muhamed Mustaque Sikkim tenure began immediately after his arrival in Gangtok.
Justice Mustaque succeeds Justice Biswanath Somadder, who retired from the post recently. Before this permanent appointment, Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai had been serving as the Acting Chief Justice. With Justice Mustaque taking charge, the Sikkim High Court now reaches its full sanctioned strength of three judges. This development is expected to expedite the disposal of pending cases in the region.
A Distinguished Career Before the Sikkim Elevation
The background of the new Chief Justice is both diverse and impressive. Born on June 1, 1967, Justice Mustaque hails from Kannur in Kerala. He completed his law degree from V.B. College of Law in Udupi. Later, he obtained an LLM in Labour Law from Mahatma Gandhi University. He enrolled as an advocate on October 1, 1989. Over several years, he built a reputation as a skilled litigation lawyer and arbitrator.
During his time at the Bar, he practiced in several key areas. These included civil, commercial, constitutional, and administrative law. He also handled complex cases involving intellectual property and information technology. Furthermore, he served as a mediator at the Kerala Mediation Centre. Because of his vast experience, he was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Kerala High Court in 2014. He became a Permanent Judge in 2016. Most recently, he served as the Acting Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court.
Expertise in Modern Legal Domains
One reason the Justice A Muhamed Mustaque Sikkim appointment is noteworthy is his expertise in modern law. He has undertaken specialized courses in space and telecommunication law at Paris XI University. Additionally, he studied private international law at the Hague Academy. He also specialized in e-commerce and intellectual property law through the World Intellectual Property Organization.
These qualifications make him a forward-thinking jurist. He has long been an advocate for using technology in the legal system. In Kerala, he served as the Chairman of the High Court’s Computerisation Committee. Therefore, many expect him to bring similar digital reforms to the Sikkim High Court. His ability to blend traditional legal principles with modern technology is a major asset for the state’s judiciary.
Strengthening the Legal Fabric of the State
The arrival of Justice Mustaque is seen as a positive move for the local legal community. While the Sikkim High Court is the smallest in the country, it handles vital issues regarding border state regulations and indigenous rights. The Chief Minister expressed his confidence that the new Chief Justice would provide wise leadership.
The Justice A Muhamed Mustaque Sikkim era is expected to focus on judicial accountability and efficiency. During the ceremony, guests noted his calm and professional demeanor. He is known for his balanced approach to complex legal disputes. As the 24th Chief Justice, he will play a pivotal role in ensuring that justice remains accessible to all citizens of Sikkim, regardless of their location.
Future Outlook for the Sikkim High Court
The next few months will be busy for the new Chief Justice. He will need to familiarize himself with the unique customary laws of Sikkim. These local laws often interact with the Indian Constitution in specific ways. However, Justice Mustaque’s experience with international and administrative law will likely help him navigate these nuances easily.
Moreover, his presence will likely inspire the local bar and younger lawyers. He has often served as a faculty member for mediation and arbitration training. By sharing this knowledge, he can help strengthen the alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in the state. This will further reduce the burden on the main courts.
Conclusion: A Milestone for Sikkim’s Judiciary
In summary, the swearing-in of Justice A Muhamed Mustaque is a landmark event. The Justice A Muhamed Mustaque Sikkim appointment ensures that the state’s highest court is led by a veteran jurist. With a career spanning over three decades, he brings a wealth of knowledge from the Kerala High Court to the Himalayas.
As the 24th Chief Justice, he carries the responsibility of upholding the rule of law in a strategically important region. The people of Sikkim and the legal community have welcomed his appointment with great optimism. Under his leadership, the High Court is poised to reach new heights of excellence and integrity.
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