Justice Dharmadhikari will succeed outgoing Chief Justice Mohan Srivastava, who is set to retire on March 5.
On Thursday, a Kerala High Court bench comprising Justices Dharmadhikari and PV Balakrishnan ordered a two-week interim stay on the release of the sequel, dealing a setback to its makers.
The court directed that the film must not be released until arguments in the case are completed.
The bench was hearing a plea filed by Sreedev Namboodiri, who sought cancellation of the U/A certification granted to the film by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
The petitioner alleged that the film maligns and stereotypes the people of Kerala and presents a misleading portrayal of the state.
During the hearing, the court criticised the CBFC for granting certification “without applying its mind” and directed the board to reconsider the petitioner’s concerns.