Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon to Retire in February 2027, Sushil Nair Appointed Successor

Singapore, Singapore Jul 17, 2026 ALN: Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon is set to retire on February 26, 2027, marking the end of a distinguished tenure that has significantly shaped the Singapore judiciary. His successor, Court of Appeal judge Sushil Nair, will be appointed as Singapore’s fifth Chief Justice on the same day, ushering in a new chapter for the nation’s legal system.

In a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on July 17, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed his gratitude towards Chief Justice Menon, stating, "Chief Justice Menon has served Singapore with distinction over the past 14 years. Under his leadership, our judiciary has earned the confidence of Singaporeans and the respect of the international legal community. I thank him for his exceptional service." This acknowledgment underscores the importance of Menon’s contributions to the legal landscape of Singapore, which have been both profound and far-reaching.

Chief Justice Menon, now 64 years old, was appointed to the highest judicial position in Singapore on November 6, 2012. His leadership coincided with a period of considerable transformation within the judiciary, which the PMO emphasized in its statement. During his tenure, Menon has not only strengthened the institutional foundations of the judiciary but has also made significant strides in improving access to justice and modernizing judicial administration. These efforts have been pivotal in reinforcing public confidence in the rule of law, a cornerstone of Singaporean society.

One of the hallmark achievements of Menon’s leadership has been the comprehensive reforms aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the courts. He spearheaded the digital transformation of the judiciary, which has led to more efficient processes and a more transparent legal system. The establishment of the Appellate Division of the High Court is a notable example of this transformation, allowing appeals to be heard and resolved more efficiently, thereby expediting the judicial process for many litigants.

Moreover, Menon played a crucial role in the development of the Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC). This court has become a vital institution for resolving international commercial disputes, further solidifying Singapore’s position as a trusted center for international dispute resolution. The SICC’s establishment reflects Singapore's commitment to being a global hub for legal services and its proactive approach to meeting the needs of an increasingly interconnected world.

Under Menon’s leadership, the Family Justice Courts and the Youth Courts have also embraced a therapeutic justice approach, which focuses on the underlying issues faced by families and young individuals rather than merely punishing offenses. This innovative approach aims to provide more holistic solutions to complex social issues, emphasizing rehabilitation and support over retribution.

In addition to these reforms, Menon established the Singapore Judicial College, which has become a cornerstone of judicial education in the country. This institution plays a vital role in training judges and judicial officers, ensuring that they are well-equipped to handle the evolving challenges of the legal landscape.

Reflecting on his time as Chief Justice, Menon stated, "It has been a peerless privilege for me to have been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Singapore judiciary for almost a decade and a half." He expressed gratitude to the Government for its support of various initiatives and reforms, as well as to other stakeholders, including judges, judicial service officers, court administrators, and staff. His acknowledgment of the collective effort involved in the judiciary’s progress highlights the collaborative nature of the legal system in Singapore.

As Menon prepares to step down, he emphasized his confidence in his successor, Justice Sushil Nair. Nair, who is 62 years old, joined the Bench as a judicial commissioner on April 1, 2025, and was later appointed a High Court judge before becoming a justice of the Court of Appeal on June 15. With 35 years of legal service, Nair brings extensive experience to the role, having previously served as deputy chief executive of the Drew & Napier law firm and head of its corporate restructuring and workouts practice group.

Nair is recognized as a leading authority on complex commercial and cross-border cases in the Asia-Pacific region, which positions him well to navigate the challenges of the Chief Justice role. His appointment is seen as a continuation of the judiciary’s commitment to uphold the highest standards of legal excellence and integrity.

Beyond his legal career, Nair has made significant contributions to public service. In 2022, he received the Friends of Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth Award for his role in facilitating the takeover of the then Singapore Sports Hub by the national sports agency Sport Singapore. This facility, now known as The Kallang, had previously been managed under a public-private partnership agreement, and Nair’s contributions were instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition.

In 2023, Nair was awarded Singapore’s Public Service Star (Covid-19) for his efforts in conceptualizing the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Bill, which provided essential relief to businesses and individuals affected by the pandemic. These accolades reflect Nair’s commitment not only to the legal profession but also to the broader community, highlighting his dedication to public service.

Upon his appointment as Chief Justice, Nair expressed his deep honor at the responsibility entrusted to him. He thanked Menon for his leadership and service to Singapore, acknowledging the significant legacy he inherits. Nair stated, "I will strive to uphold the independence and integrity of our courts, safeguard the rule of law, and ensure that justice continues to be administered impartially, fairly and effectively in service of the people of Singapore." This commitment to justice and integrity is crucial as Singapore continues to navigate the complexities of modern governance and legal challenges.

The transition from Chief Justice Menon to Justice Nair marks a significant moment in Singapore’s judicial history. It reflects not only the continuity of leadership but also the ongoing evolution of the judiciary in response to the changing needs of society. As Nair prepares to take on his new role, the legal community and the public alike will be watching closely to see how he builds upon the strong foundations laid by his predecessor and addresses the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the Singapore judiciary.