Bhopal: Justice Alpesh Yeshvant Kogje was on Thursday sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, nearly three months after the post fell vacant.
Governor Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel administered the oath of office and secrecy to Justice Kogje at a ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Chief Secretary Ashok Barnwal and other senior officials.
Justice Kogje has become the 30th Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. Justice Vivek Rusia had been discharging the duties as Acting Chief Justice before his appointment.
The Supreme Court Collegium had recommended Justice Kogje, who was serving as a judge of the Gujarat High Court, for appointment as Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on August 31. The Centre cleared his appointment on September 5 following the President’s approval.
Congratulating Justice Kogje, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said he extended his “heartfelt congratulations and best wishes” to him on assuming the new responsibility.
“At a dignified ceremony held at Lok Bhawan today, Governor Mangubhai Patel administered the oath of office to Justice Alpesh Yashwant Kogje as the Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court,” Chief Minister Yadav wrote on X.
He added, ‘I attended the ceremony and extended my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Chief Justice Kogje on assuming the new responsibility.” Justice Kogje will formally assume charge at the High Court from Friday.
A lunch in his honour has also been organised at the Chief Minister’s residence. Several lawyers from Gujarat also attended the swearing-in ceremony.
Justice Kogje was appointed an additional judge of the Gujarat High Court in April 2016 and was made a permanent judge in March 2018. He joined the Bar in 1993 after obtaining his law degree from the Faculty of Law at Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda.
He also served as Additional Public Prosecutor from 2002 to 2007 and as Standing Counsel for the Central Excise and Customs Department.
(IANS)
