Justice Harish Tandon takes oath as 35th Chief Justice of Orissa High Court

Justice Harish Tandon took oath as the 35th Chief Justice of Orissa High Court in a formal ceremony. Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati administered the oath of office. The event was graced by the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, underscoring the significance of this judicial appointment.

The ceremony marks a pivotal moment, bringing together key governmental figures to witness this esteemed occasion. Justice Tandon will be at the helm of Odisha Judiciary for almost 20 months, if not elevated or transferred, till he retires on November 15, 2026.

Justice Tandon, renowned for his commitment to judicial integrity, has previously served in various capacities within the judiciary, earning respect across the board. As the new Chief Justice, he is expected to lead the court with a focus on upholding the rule of law and advancing justice in all spheres.

CM Mohan Majhi’s Presence:

Chief Minister Majhi attended the event and expressed confidence in Justice Tandon's ability to enhance the legal system, commending his dedication to public service. The legal fraternity widely anticipates Justice Tandon's tenure, with expectations of reform and innovation in judicial processes. Justice Tandon's appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the court, given his vast experience and respected stature in the legal community.

Appointment Details

Justice Harish Tandon was officially appointed as Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court on March 22, 2025, through a notification by the Ministry of Law and Justice. This followed the Supreme Court Collegium's recommendation on March 6, 2025. The position had been vacant since Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh's retirement on January 19, 2025, with Justice Arindam Sinha serving as acting Chief Justice until transferring to Allahabad High Court.

Background and Legal Career

Born November 16, 1964, Justice Tandon graduated from Calcutta University in 1983 and earned his LLB in 1989. He enrolled as an advocate in 1989, specializing in civil and constitutional matters at Calcutta High Court. Elevated to the Calcutta High Court bench on April 13, 2010, he accumulated 14 years of judicial experience before his current appointment.

Key Judicial Contributions

Notable for integrating cultural references in judgments, he quoted the Ramayana and Bhagavad Gita to emphasize ethics. In 2023, he overturned a divorce ruling requiring stronger evidence of marital cruelty. He also denied anticipatory bail in a child marriage case, advocating for systemic prevention measures.