Bhubaneswar, Nov 13: The President of India has appointed Justice Bibhu Prasad Routray, a sitting judge of the Orissa High Court, to discharge the duties of the Chief Justice of the High Court with effect from November 16, 2026.

The appointment was announced through an official notification issued by the Department of Justice (Appointments Division) under the Union Ministry of Law and Justice on Friday. The notification stated that the appointment had been made under Article 223 of the Constitution of India, which empowers the President to appoint a judge to perform the duties of a Chief Justice when the office falls vacant or when the incumbent is unable to perform those duties.

Justice Routray will take over the responsibilities following the retirement of the incumbent Chief Justice, Justice Harish Tandon, who is scheduled to demit office on November 15, 2026.

With the new arrangement, Justice Routray will oversee the functioning and administration of the Orissa High Court from November 16, ensuring the uninterrupted discharge of judicial and administrative responsibilities.

The appointment comes as part of the constitutional mechanism for maintaining continuity in the leadership of High Courts during a transition in the office of the Chief Justice. Justice Routray will perform the duties of the Chief Justice until further arrangements are made.

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