The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari, currently serving as a judge in the Kerala High Court, for elevation to the position of Chief Justice of the Madras High Court.
This promotion comes shortly after Justice Dharmadhikari was part of the division bench that heard urgent appeals related to the controversial film ‘The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond,’ where the court examined issues of film certification, free speech, and interim stays on its release
The appointment will take effect on March 6, following the retirement of incumbent Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Srivastava on March 5.
How is Justice Dharmadhikari linked to The Kerala Story 2?
Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari of the Kerala High Court is part of the two-judge division bench hearing petitions related to the release of the film The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond. He is among the judges currently examining whether the movie can be cleared for release.
What is the controversy over The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond (2026)?
The controversy surrounding The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond (2026) involves a sensitive debate between creative freedom and social harmony. While the filmmakers claim the film is inspired by real events, critics and legal experts have expressed concerns about its potential impact on the community.
Supporters say filmmakers should have the freedom to tackle sensitive themes, while critics argue that creative expression should not undermine social harmony.
Although the court has not yet issued a final ruling on the case, its interim order indicates that it saw enough reason to halt the film’s release until further review is completed.
Who is Justice Dharmadhikari?
Justice Dharmadhikari is a sitting judge of the Kerala High Court, with his parent High Court being Madhya Pradesh.
Born on July 8, 1966, in Raipur, he began his legal practice in 1992. He spent more than 24 years at the Madhya Pradesh High Court, handling civil, criminal, and constitutional matters.
From 2000 to 2015, he served as Standing Counsel for the Union of India. During this period, he also represented the Income Tax Department, the Reserve Bank of India, Central Excise (as Senior Standing Counsel), and several public sector undertakings.
He was appointed an additional judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on April 7, 2016, and became a permanent judge on March 17, 2018. He was transferred to the Kerala High Court on April 23, 2025.
