The central government has officially appointed Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, effective immediately. Justice Bhati, who has been serving on the bench of the Rajasthan High Court, will assume his new role following the recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium on August 31.
Justice Bhati succeeds Justice Sanjeev Kumar, who has been the acting Chief Justice of the High Court since June 2. This transition marks a significant step in Justice Bhati’s distinguished legal career, which spans nearly 25 years as a practicing lawyer before his elevation to the judiciary on November 16, 2016.
During his legal practice, Justice Bhati contributed significantly to the legal fraternity, serving as an Additional Advocate General for the State and holding the position of President of the High Court Lawyers Association at various times. His extensive experience and leadership in the legal community are expected to greatly benefit the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
In a remarkable coincidence, Justice Bhati’s spouse, Justice Nupur Bhati, was also appointed as a judge of the Rajasthan High Court earlier in 2023, further highlighting the couple’s significant contributions to the Indian judicial system.
The appointment of Justice Bhati as Chief Justice is seen as a pivotal development for the High Court, which serves a crucial role in the administration of justice in the region. His rich background and commitment to the law are anticipated to bring fresh perspectives and continued progress to the court’s operations.
