Nitin Wasudeo Sambre biography | Bombay High Court Nagpur bench: Nagpur has another reason to be proud. Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre, a judge born and educated in the city, has been appointed Acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court.
Why Justice Sambre Is Acting Chief Justice
When the Chief Justice’s office falls vacant, or the Chief Justice cannot perform the duties of the office, the President can appoint another judge of the same High Court to act in the role. This is provided under Article 223 of the Constitution of India. Such appointments are made through a notification from the Ministry of Law and Justice. The acting Chief Justice carries out the administrative and judicial duties of the office until a regular Chief Justice takes charge.
Who Is Justice Nitin Sambre?
Justice Sambre was born on 19 December 1967 in Nagpur. He studied at Somalwar High School and Shivaji Science College, then earned his law degree from the University College of Law, Nagpur, in 1992.
- Enrolled as an advocate: 25 August 1992
- Early mentor: Senior Advocate Sharad A. Bobde, who later became the 47th Chief Justice of India
- Practice areas: Civil, writ and criminal matters at the Mumbai, Aurangabad and Nagpur benches of the Bombay High Court
- Bar leadership: Secretary, High Court Bar Association, Nagpur (2004 to 2007)
- Government roles: Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor from 1 September 2007
- Corporate and public sector clients: Standing counsel for bodies such as Bharat Petroleum, Indian Oil and BHEL
Judicial Career: From Nagpur Bench to Delhi
Justice Sambre was elevated as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court on 6 January 2014 and became a Permanent Judge on 2 March 2016. In November 2023 he was made Senior Administrative Judge of the Nagpur Bench. He also chaired the Bombay High Court Legal Services Sub-Committee at Nagpur and sat on the Governing Council of the State Judicial Academy.
He is known for his citizen-focused rulings in Public Interest Litigation on environmental protection, civic infrastructure and government accountability. Local issues such as traffic and civic problems in Nagpur were addressed in PILs heard by his bench.
The Centre cleared his transfer to the Delhi High Court in July 2025. He took charge as a Delhi High Court judge on 21 July 2025. According to court records, his date of retirement is 18 December 2029.
A Proud Moment for Nagpur and Vidarbha | Nitin Wasudeo Sambre biography
Justice Sambre was also a sportsman who represented Maharashtra in national tournaments. He was elected president of the students’ union at the University College of Law, Nagpur, in 1991. Few judges rise from a city bar to lead one of the country’s most prominent High Courts, and for the legal community in Nagpur and Vidarbha his appointment is a significant milestone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Justice Nitin Sambre?
He is a judge of the Delhi High Court, formerly of the Bombay High Court’s Nagpur Bench, who has now been appointed Acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court.
What does an Acting Chief Justice do?
An Acting Chief Justice performs the duties of the Chief Justice, including heading the court’s administration and constituting benches, until a regular Chief Justice is appointed or resumes office.
When did Justice Sambre join the Delhi High Court?
He took oath as a Delhi High Court judge on 21 July 2025, after transfer from the Bombay High Court.
Where is Justice Sambre from?
He was born in Nagpur, Maharashtra, and completed his schooling and law degree in the city.
