Bengaluru: The President of India has appointed C.M. Poonacha as the Additional Judge of Karnataka High Court yesterday.

His appointment will be for two years, with effect from the date he assumes office. His service will be permanent after a two-year probationary period. With this, the strength of Judges in the HC has increased to 44 as against the sanctioned strength of 62.

The Supreme Court Collegium had first recommended the appointment of Poonacha as the Judge of Karnataka High Court in October 2021. Poonacha, who has more than 20 years of practice experience as an advocate, was recommended for the post by former Chief Justice A.S. Oka-led Supreme Court Collegium.

C.M. Poonacha commenced his career in law in the chambers of senior advocate S.K.V. Chalapathy and thereafter under his father late Cheppudira M. Monnappa, who was also a noted advocate. In 2001, Poonacha, along with Kiran V. Ron and R. Sukruta, established Lexplexus, a law firm in Bengaluru with a primary objective of providing diverse legal solutions to clients that include individuals, organisations of various types and large Corporations. The team has trained many budding advocates.

Poonacha is known as Nayan in family circles and hails from Nokya Siddapura near Thithimathi in Kodagu. He has served as Additional Government Advocate in the High Court and has been commended both by the Government and the Court for his professional approach in issues of national importance. His mother Shaila hails from Kandrathanda family.

Poonacha is married to Kanjithanda Savitha, daughter of Dr. Kanjithanda Chinnappa and Sharada couple. Savitha too practices as an advocate. The couple has a son and daughter Somaiah and Hitha.