Judicial Appointments Finalized
Five Additional Judges Sworn In as Permanent Andhra Pradesh High Court Members
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Key Points
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The five judges’ earlier tenures as additional judges began on two different dates: Kuncham Maheswara Rao, Thoota Chandra Dhana Sekhar and Challa Gunaranjan took oath on October 28, 2024, while Avadhanam Hari Haranadha Sarma and Yadavalli Lakshmana Rao took oath on January 24, 2025.
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Before joining the Bench, Kuncham Maheswara Rao practiced at the Andhra Pradesh High Court from 2000 and served as standing counsel for public-sector bodies including the Food Corporation of India, Central Warehousing Corporation and HPCL.
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Thoota Chandra Dhana Sekhar served as Andhra Pradesh’s government pleader for Commercial Taxes in the High Court from September 2019 until his elevation to the Bench.
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The oath-taking was held in the High Court’s first courtroom before a full bench, with High Court judges, Bar Council representatives, Advocates’ Association members, senior advocates, judicial officers and officials in attendance.
Five judges have been sworn in as permanent judges of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, boosting the bench's strength. Asianet News reported that Kuncham Maheswara Rao, Thoota Chandra Dhana Sekhar, Challa Gunaranjan, Avadhanam Hari Haranadha Sarma and Yadavalli Lakshmana Rao took their oaths in Amaravati after the Supreme Court Collegium approved their appointments. Chief Justice Lisa Gill administered the oath ceremony following formal orders from President Droupadi Murmu.
The five judges had previously served as additional judges on the court. Three of them — Kuncham Maheswara Rao, Thoota Chandra Dhana Sekhar and Challa Gunaranjan — began their additional judge tenures on October 28, 2024, while the other two started on January 24, 2025.
Years of Legal Practice Before the Bench
Kuncham Maheswara Rao brings decades of courtroom experience to his new role. He practiced law at the Andhra Pradesh High Court starting in 2000 and served as standing counsel for major government bodies. His clients included the Food Corporation of India, Central Warehousing Corporation and HPCL.
Thoota Chandra Dhana Sekhar held a different government position before his elevation. He served as Andhra Pradesh's government pleader for Commercial Taxes in the High Court from September 2019 until joining the bench as a judge.
Collegium and Presidential Approval Complete the Process
The appointments followed the standard judicial appointment process in India. The Supreme Court Collegium, which recommends new judges, approved all five candidates. President Droupadi Murmu then issued the formal orders that made their permanent status official.
This formal approval process ensures that high court judges meet strict standards before gaining permanent tenure. Permanent judges serve until mandatory retirement age, unlike additional judges who serve temporary terms.
Full Bench Ceremony Marks Formal Swearing-In
The oath-taking ceremony took place in the High Court's first courtroom in front of a full bench. Asianet News noted that judges, Bar Council representatives, senior advocates and judicial officers attended the event to witness the formal swearing-in.
Chief Justice Lisa Gill led the ceremony, administering the oath to each of the five judges. The event also drew members of the Advocates' Association and other court officials, reflecting the importance of the moment for Andhra Pradesh's judicial system.
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