Centre appoints two judges to Punjab and Haryana High Court

January 2, 2026

Chandigarh: The Central Government on Friday approved the appointment of two additional judges to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, following the recommendation of the Supreme Court Collegium. According to a notification issued by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice, the President has appointed Mr. Ramesh Chander Dimri and Ms. Neerja Kulwant Kaulson as additional judges for a term of two years. The appointments will be effective from the date they assume charge.

This appointment has been made under Article 224(1) of the Constitution.

Approval given by the Supreme Court Collegium

The Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice Justice Surya Kant, approved the names of the two judicial officers in its meeting held on December 16, 2025. The process for their recommendation was initiated by the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court after consultation with his two senior-most colleagues.

According to the MoP (Memorandum of Procedure) for the Appointment of Judges), the proposal for the appointment of High Court judges is initiated by the Chief Justice of the respective High Court. If the Chief Minister recommends a name, it must be forwarded to the Chief Justice for consideration.

 Appointment Process and Other Events

Under the MoP, the Governor, on the advice of the Chief Minister, sends the complete proposal and documents to the Union Law Minister. The Central Government then reviews the proposal, including background checks, and forwards it to the Chief Justice of India. After consultation, the CJI sends his recommendation to the Central Government within four weeks.

After the President signs the appointment letter, the Secretary of the Department of Justice informs the Chief Justice of the High Court and the Chief Minister, and a notification is issued in the Gazette of India.

Earlier in the day, the central government also issued a notification appointing Justice Mahesh Sharadchandra Sonak, a judge of the Bombay High Court, as the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court. This appointment follows the retirement of the current Chief Justice, Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, on January 8th.