---
title: "Chhaya Malik | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/chhaya-malik-ca"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Chhaya Malik

Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara · Superior Court Judge

## Profile

- Court: Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara
- State: California
- Role: Superior Court Judge
- Service status: appointed_not_proven_serving
- Appointment: Appointed on September 18, 2026. [Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara](https://knowjudges.com/kyj/court/ca/superior-court-of-california-county-of-santa-clara)

## Summary

Chhaya Malik — Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara

## Sources

- [Governor Newsom announces Judicial Appointments 9.18.2026](https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/09/18/governor-newsom-announces-judicial-appointments-9-18-2026/)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- 2026 appointee to the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, bringing more than two decades of experience in civil rights, mediation, public policy, and private practice
- Positions Held: Judge, Gujarat High Court (2011–2022) Acting Chief Justice, Gujarat High Court (Sept–Oct 2021) Chief Justice, Gauhati High Court (23 June 2022 – 11 January 2023)
- Deputy Director of Dispute Resolution, California Civil Rights Department
- Special Counsel, Ehrlich & Craig
- IndiaWest Chhaya Malik Named Judge On Santa Clara County Superior Court California Gov
- Gavin Newsom has appointed Chhaya Malik to the Santa Clara County Superior Court, filling a vacancy created by Judge Socrates P. Manoukian’s retirement

### Education


### Additional information

- Judicial Appointment Appointed: September 18, 2026, by California Governor Gavin Newsom
- Elevated as Additional Judge in 2011 and became a permanent judge in 2013
- Enrolled as an advocate in 1984; served as Assistant Government Pleader and Additional Public Prosecutor
- Seat Filled: Vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Socrates P. Manoukian
- Areas of Expertise Highlighted by the Court: Dispute resolution, civil rights, public policy, and private practice
- Staff Attorney, Advancement Project