Instead of waiting for a chief justice to retire before appointing their replacement, judges will now be transferred up to two months in advance; giving them time to understand the court’s workings before stepping in. This isn’t just about smoother transitions; it’s about preventing leadership gaps in courts that handle thousands of cases daily. Imagine being handed the keys to a high court on Day 1 without knowing its pending roster, staff dynamics, or ongoing sensitive cases. That’s what this change hopes to avoid. Led by CJI Surya Kant, the collegium’s decision signals a shift toward proactive governance in the judiciary. It also sets the stage for what might become a new norm; early placement of future leaders, not just in courts, but maybe even in other constitutional bodies. The first test? Justice Sushrut Dharmadhikari, set to take over the Madras High Court next month. Will this move reduce case backlogs? Make transitions smoother? Or create new delays? Only time; and the courts; will tell.