In a proud moment for Nagpur’s legal fraternity, Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre has been appointed to perform the duties of the Acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court. The Union Government issued the notification on October 5. The appointment has been made under Article 223 of the Constitution. Justice Sambre will take charge as Acting Chief Justice after Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya relinquishes the post following his elevation to the Supreme Court. Justice Sambre has deep roots in Nagpur. Born in the city on December 19, 1967, he completed his schooling at Somalwar High School and Shivaji Science College. He obtained his law degree from the University College of Law, Nagpur, in 1992. He enrolled as an advocate on August 25, 1992. He started his legal career under Senior Advocate Sharad A Bobde, who later became a Supreme Court judge and Chief Justice of India.

 

ustice Sambre practised mainly at the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court. He handled civil, criminal and writ matters. He also served as Secretary of the High Court Bar Association, Nagpur, from 2004 to 2007. A major milestone came in September 2007 when he was appointed Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor at the Nagpur Bench. During his practice, he represented the Governor of Maharashtra before the High Court. He also appeared for the Nagpur Improvement Trust, Forest Department and Scheduled Tribes Caste Certificate Verification Committee. He served as standing counsel for several public-sector undertakings, including Bharat Petroleum, Indian Oil and Bharat Heavy Electricals. He also represented municipal bodies, statutory authorities and private companies.

 

Justice Sambre was elevated to the Bombay High Court on January 6, 2014. His career on the Bench has included important judicial and administrative responsibilities. His association with Nagpur remained strong even after his elevation. He served as the Senior Administrative Judge of the Nagpur Bench and dealt with several public interest and civic matters. His association with Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur, was another important part of his administrative work. Justice Sambre later moved to the Delhi High Court, where he assumed office as a judge in July 2025.