The Supreme Court Collegium has proposed the appointment of Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra as the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. This recommendation was made during the Collegium meeting on August 6, under the leadership of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.
Educational Background and Legal Career
Justice Mishra holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Economics from Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, and a Bachelor of Laws from the Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi. He began his legal career upon enrolling as an Advocate on May 8, 1993, where he specialized in civil, constitutional, and service law.
Throughout his distinguished career, Justice Mishra has acted as arguing counsel for numerous statutory bodies, including the New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (NOIDA), the Ghaziabad Development Authority, and the Allahabad Development Authority. Other notable entities he has represented include the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), the Indian Oil Corporation, and the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation. Additionally, he has provided his expertise as senior counsel for the state government in significant cases.
Judicial Appointments and Career Progression
Justice Mishra’s exceptional legal acumen was recognized when he was designated as a Senior Advocate in 2013. His judicial career commenced with his appointment as an Additional Judge of the Allahabad High Court on February 3, 2014. He was subsequently made a permanent judge on February 1, 2016.
Justice Mishra served at the Allahabad High Court until July 20, 2025, after which he was transferred to the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He assumed his duties there on July 21, 2025. On June 1, 2026, he was appointed as the Acting Chief Justice following the elevation of former Chief Justice Sheel Nagu to the Supreme Court.
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Conclusion
The recommendation of Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra to the position of Chief Justice reflects the Collegium’s confidence in his capabilities to lead one of the country’s most significant high courts. His extensive experience across various legal domains is anticipated to contribute positively to the judiciary.
