In a significant judicial appointment, Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra was officially sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The ceremony took place on Monday morning and was overseen by Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria. Despite the Punjab government’s objections regarding his elevation, the oath was administered as scheduled.
Justice Mishra’s appointment to the role of Chief Justice had been a subject of debate, with the Punjab government expressing discontent over not being consulted adequately about his suitability. On the eve of his swearing-in, the Punjab government stated that the Central government should have awaited its feedback before finalizing the appointment.
The absence of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann was notable at the event, although Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini attended the ceremony. Additionally, Haryana Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh was present to witness the proceedings.
Justice Mishra’s judicial career began with his appointment as a judge at the Allahabad High Court in February 2014. He has been serving at the Punjab and Haryana High Court since July 2025, assuming the role of Acting Chief Justice in June prior to this new appointment. His elevation was proposed by the Supreme Court Collegium on August 6, with the Central government clearing and notifying the appointment on September 5.
The Punjab cabinet responded swiftly by convening an emergency meeting and passing a resolution against Justice Mishra’s elevation. The resolution urged the Governor to refrain from administering the oath until the Punjab government’s consent was obtained. “Taking serious exception to the appointment of Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra as Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court without awaiting the views of the Punjab Government, the Cabinet resolved that the appointment and administration of oath should be put on hold until Punjab’s views are obtained and duly considered,” the government stated.
