Overview The Supreme Court Collegium has issued a new judicial transfer policy . It mandates that a judge slated to become Chief Justice should be transferred at least two months before the incumbent retires, enabling a seamless hand‑over and uninterrupted court administration. Key Developments Policy adoption on 26 February 2026 to improve administrative continuity in High Courts . Transfer recommendation for Justice Lisa Gill from Punjab & Haryana to Andhra Pradesh. Recommendation for Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari to become Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, anticipating the retirement of the incumbent on 5 March 2026 . Important Facts The policy aims to have the incoming Chief Justice "conversant with the affairs of the High Court " before assuming charge. The Collegium emphasised that this step will "strengthen the efficiency and quality of administration of justice". Justice Gill’s advance transfer will allow her to familiarise with the administrative machinery of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, while Justice Dharmadhikari’s appointment is timed to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Madras High Court’s incumbent Chief Justice. UPSC Relevance Understanding the functioning of the Supreme Court Collegium is essential for GS‑2 (Polity) as it reflects the constitutional mechanism for judicial appointments and transfers. The new policy illustrates how administrative reforms are introduced to address governance challenges within the judiciary, a frequent topic in essay and interview sections. Candidates should note the interplay between judicial independence and administrative efficiency, and how policy changes can impact case backlog and public confidence. Way Forward Future monitoring will focus on whether the advance transfer reduces transition delays and improves case disposal rates. Aspirants should watch for subsequent Collegium statements, possible legislative scrutiny, and reactions from bar associations, as these will shape the broader discourse on judicial reforms in India.