Justice Sundaresh Menon will step down as Chief Justice on February 26, 2027, after more than 14 years of service. Justice Sushil Nair will become Singapore's fifth Chief Justice on the same day. The Prime Minister lauded Justice Menon's distinguished tenure and expressed confidence in Justice Nair's ability to continue the judiciary's legacy of excellence, integrity, and independence.
Singapore's Chief Justice, Justice Sundaresh Menon, will retire on February 26, 2027, concluding over 14 years of leadership of the judiciary. Justice Sushil Nair, a judge of the Court of Appeal, will succeed him as Singapore's fifth Chief Justice on that date.
This leadership transition was announced on Friday, July 17, by the Prime Minister's Office. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong commended Justice Menon's distinguished service, noting that under his stewardship, the judiciary gained the trust of Singaporeans and the respect of the global legal community. The Prime Minister expressed confidence in Justice Nair, stating he would build upon the judiciary's strong foundations while upholding excellence, integrity, and independence.
In his own statement, Justice Menon described leading the judiciary as a peerless privilege and thanked the Government for its support of numerous reforms and initiatives. He also acknowledged the dedication of judges, judicial service officers, court administrators, and staff. He affirmed that his successor would further strengthen the institution. Justice Menon, aged 64, was appointed Chief Justice on November 6, 2012.
His tenure oversaw significant transformation: the judiciary modernised its administration, expanded access to justice, and reinforced public confidence in the rule of law. Key milestones include the digital transformation of the courts, the creation of the Appellate Division of the High Court to improve appeal efficiency, the development of the Singapore International Commercial Court to boost Singapore's role in international dispute resolution, and the adoption of a therapeutic justice approach by the Family Justice and Youth Courts.
He also founded the Singapore Judicial College, which is central to judicial education. Justice Nair, 62, joined the judiciary as a judicial commissioner on April 1, 2025, later became a High Court judge, and was elevated to the Court of Appeal on June 15. Prior to the bench, he practiced law for 35 years, serving as deputy chief executive and head of corporate restructuring at Drew & Napier.
The Prime Minister's Office highlighted his expertise in complex commercial and cross‑border disputes across the Asia‑Pacific. He received the Friends of Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth Award in 2022 for supporting the transition of the Singapore Sports Hub to Sport Singapore, and the Public Service Star (Covid‑19) in 2023 for his role in conceptualising the Covid‑19 (Temporary Measures) Bill. Upon his appointment, Justice Nair expressed deep honour and consciousness of the responsibilities of the office.
He pledged to uphold the independence and integrity of the courts, safeguard the rule of law, and ensure impartial, fair, and effective justice for the people of Singapore. He also paid tribute to Justice Menon's leadership
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