Justice Alpesh Yashwant Kogje has taken charge as the new Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. Governor Mangubhai Patel administered the oath at Lok Bhavan in Bhopal in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and senior officials.

Justice Alpesh Yashwant Kogje on Thursday took oath as the new Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court at a ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in Bhopal.Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel administered the oath of office and secrecy to Justice Kogje in the presence of Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, Chief Secretary Ashok Barnwal, senior government officials, judges and members of the legal community.With his appointment, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has received a permanent Chief Justice after nearly three months. Earlier, Justice Vivek Rusia was serving as the acting Chief Justice of the court.

Justice Kogje becomes 30th Chief Justice of MP High Court

Justice Alpesh Yashwant Kogje has become the 30th Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.The Supreme Court Collegium had recommended his name for the post on August 31, 2026. Following approval from the President of India, the central government issued the official notification regarding his appointment.Justice Kogje is expected to formally assume charge at the Madhya Pradesh High Court from Friday.

Legal career began in Gujarat

Born on July 16, 1969, Justice Kogje completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry in 1990 and earned his LLB degree in 1993.He began practising law in Gujarat the same year and went on to build a legal career spanning more than three decades.He was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Gujarat High Court on April 6, 2016, and became a permanent judge on March 15, 2018.

Experience in criminal law and government cases

Justice Kogje has been known for his expertise in criminal law. Before becoming a judge, he served in several important legal positions.He worked as an Assistant Government Pleader in 2001 and served as Additional Public Prosecutor from 2002 to 2007. In 2008, he was appointed as Standing Counsel for the Central Excise and Customs Department.He also served as Special Public Prosecutor for the Special Investigation Team and Special Counsel for the Special Task Force.During his legal career, he represented the Gujarat government in several important cases linked to the 2002 Godhra riots.

Key judgments during Gujarat High Court tenure

During his tenure as a Gujarat High Court judge, Justice Kogje dealt with several criminal, service, labour and environmental matters.In 2024, a bench headed by him rejected the bail plea of a man accused in his wife’s murder case, observing the seriousness of the allegations and the circumstances of the investigation.In another case related to custodial death in 2022, his bench denied bail and highlighted the seriousness of allegations against the accused.Justice Kogje has also been part of a bench that raised concerns over the protection of water bodies, including lakes and ponds, and the impact of unregulated land filling on the environment.

Nearly five-year tenure ahead

Justice Kogje will retire on July 15, 2031. As Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, he is expected to have a tenure of around four years and ten months.The Madhya Pradesh High Court will now function under his leadership as he takes charge of judicial administration and court proceedings.