Justice Dharmadhikari of ‘The Kerala Story 2’ case is now the new chief of Madras High Court.

The Supreme Court Collegium, in its meeting on February 26, 2026, recommended Justice Sushruta Arvind Dharmadhikari—who is currently a judge of the Kerala High Court (Parent High Court: Madhya Pradesh)—as the next Chief Justice of the Madras High Court. This is happening after the current Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Srivastava retires on March 5, 2026, and Justice Dharmadhikari will take charge on March 6. This recommendation is in line with the Collegium’s new policy for advance transfer (preferably two months in advance) so that the incoming Chief Justice can familiarize himself with the administration of the Court for better performance and consistent work.

Justice Dharmadhikari was recently part of the Division Bench (along with Justice PV Balakrishnan) of the Kerala High Court that heard an urgent appeal against a single-judge interim order staying the release of the controversial film *The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond* on February 26, 2026. The Single Bench (Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas) had granted a 15-day stay by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in certifying the film as U/A, citing prima facie “lack of application of mind”, communal tension and the possibility of bringing defamation to the community. The Division Bench criticized the single judge’s haste, reserved its order after lengthy debate, and appeared ready to lift or modify the stay (some reports suggested overturning it and allowing the release). The case involves balancing freedom of speech, film certification guidelines and social harmony concerns over the film’s alleged depiction of sensitive subjects “inspired by real events”.

Born on July 8, 1966 in Raipur, Justice Dharmadhikari enrolled as an advocate in 1992 and practiced in civil, criminal and constitutional matters in the Madhya Pradesh High Court for more than 24 years. From 2000-2015, he served as Standing Counsel for the Union of India, representing entities such as Income Tax, RBI, Central Excise and PSUs. Appointed an Additional Judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on April 7, 2016, he became permanent on March 17, 2018, and was transferred to the Kerala High Court on April 23, 2025 (sworn in on the same day).