India, Feb. 27 -- The Supreme Court Collegium has decided that judges earmarked to become chief justices will be transferred to their new high courts well in advance, preferably two months before the vacancy arises, signalling a crucial policy shift aimed at ensuring smoother leadership transitions in high courts.

The decision, taken at a meeting held on Wednesday evening and led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, is intended to enable incoming chief justices to familiarise themselves with the administrative and judicial functioning of their new courts before formally assuming charge.

"The Collegium has taken a policy decision that in order to strengthen the efficiency and quality of administration of justice, a Judge who is proposed...