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Justice Muhamed Mustaque Ayumantakath Appointed Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court

The President of India has appointed Justice Muhamed Mustaque Ayumantakath, a judge of the Kerala High Court, as the Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court. The appointment follows a recommendation by the Supreme Court collegium and was cleared by the Central Government. Justice Mustaque brings a long legal career spanning over three decades, including roles as an advocate, arbitrator, and Acting Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court. His appointment is effective from the date he assumes charge of the office.

Key Points: Justice Muhamed Mustaque Named Chief Justice of Sikkim HC

  • Appointment by President of India
  • Recommended by Supreme Court collegium
  • Extensive career since 1989
  • Former Acting Chief Justice of Kerala HC
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Justice Muhamed Mustaque Ayumantakath appointed Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court

President appoints Justice Muhamed Mustaque Ayumantakath from Kerala HC as the new Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court, effective upon assuming charge.

"The appointment was made in exercise of powers conferred by the Constitution of India - Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal"

New Delhi, January 3

In a fresh judicial appointment, the President of India has named Justice Muhamed Mustaque Ayumantakath, presently a judge of the Kerala High Court, as the Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court. The appointment will take effect from the date Justice Mustaque assumes charge of the office.

Announcing the decision, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal said the appointment was made in exercise of powers conferred by the Constitution of India and in consultation with the Chief Justice of India.

The elevation follows a recommendation made on December 18, 2025, by the Supreme Court collegium headed by Surya Kant. The Central government cleared the appointment on January 3, 2026.

Justice Mustaque enrolled as an advocate in 1989 and began his legal career in Kannur, practising before various courts and statutory authorities. Over nearly seven years, he built a reputation as a litigation lawyer and arbitrator. His professional journey includes serving as standing counsel for Kannur University and representing educational institutions, telecom companies and local bodies.

He has also been associated with alternative dispute resolution as a mediator at the Kerala Mediation Centre and as a faculty member with the Indian Institute of Arbitration and Mediation. Additionally, he has served as a panel arbitrator with ICADR and IIAM and has been linked with international and national law bodies, including the International Institute of Space Law and the Indian Society of International Law.

He was appointed as an additional judge of the Kerala High Court on January 23, 2014, and was made a permanent judge on March 10, 2016. Since September 18, 2019, he has also served as Chairman of the High Court's Computerisation Committee. More recently, Justice Mustaque held the position of Acting Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court from July 5 to September 21, 2024.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see a judge with such a diverse background, from local bodies to telecom and even space law! His work on the Computerisation Committee is also crucial for modernising our courts. Hope he brings that tech-forward thinking to Sikkim HC.
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Aman W
While his credentials are strong, I hope this appointment was purely on merit and not influenced by any other considerations. The collegium system needs to be completely transparent to maintain public trust.
S
Sarah B
It's interesting to see a judge from Kerala being appointed to Sikkim. This kind of cross-country posting can bring fresh perspectives to the judiciary in the North-East. Best wishes to him!
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Vikram M
His journey from practicing in Kannur to becoming a Chief Justice is truly inspiring for young lawyers across India. It shows that a strong foundation in litigation and dedication can take you far. Jai Hind!
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Nikhil C
The article mentions his role in alternative dispute resolution. This is so important to reduce the backlog of cases. Hopefully, he can promote mediation and arbitration in Sikkim as well. A step in the right direction.

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