Justice Mishra Sworn In as Punjab & Haryana HC Chief Justice Despite State Objection
Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in Chandigarh on Monday (September 7, 2026). Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria administered the oath of office at Lok Bhawan.
The ceremony was attended by Haryana Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan, Akali MLA Ganieve Kaur Majithia and Punjab Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was not present. A day before the ceremony, the Punjab Cabinet had passed a resolution asking the Central government to defer the oath-taking until the state government's concerns regarding Justice Mishra's appointment were adequately addressed. The presence of officials from both states showed that the ceremony had representation from the entire jurisdiction of the High Court.
Justice Mishra had been serving as the Acting Chief Justice of the High Court since June. His appointment was notified by the Central government on September 5, 2026, nearly a month after the Supreme Court Collegium had recommended his name. The Collegium, comprising the Chief Justice of India and four senior judges of the Supreme Court, is the recommending body for appointments to the higher judiciary.
The process for appointing a High Court Chief Justice is laid out in the Constitution, but has been refined by Supreme Court judgments over the years. Under the system known as the Collegium system, the Chief Justice of India and a group of senior-most judges propose the name. The President of India then issues the appointment warrant, and the Governor of the concerned state administers the oath. The role of the political executive is largely formal in this process.
The significance of this appointment goes beyond the ceremony. The Chief Justice of a High Court holds a position of authority in the state's judicial system. The oath he takes requires him to discharge his duties without fear or favour, in keeping with the constitutional mandate.
The Punjab Cabinet's resolution is a political expression and does not constitute a legal impediment. The state Cabinet is not a designated authority in the appointment of High Court judges. The ceremony, therefore, took place as per the schedule, with the Governor fulfilling his constitutional duty.
The absence of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann at the ceremony is a visible marker of the state government's opposition to Justice Mishra. The administrative machinery of Punjab was present through the Chief Secretary, indicating that official functions continued unimpeded.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court is a common court for the states of Punjab and Haryana and the Union Territory of Chandigarh. The Chief Justice plays a central role in the judicial administration of both states. Justice Mishra will also be responsible for exercising judicial authority and ensuring that the court functions efficiently.
With the completion of the swearing-in ceremony, Justice Mishra assumes the role of Chief Justice in a full, permanent capacity. He had been discharging the responsibilities of the office in an acting capacity since June, and his formal appointment consolidates his position at the head of one of India's key High Courts.
