Legal Fraternity Calls for Support for Justice Sandhawalia's Supreme Court Elevation
Members of the legal fraternity have urged the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana, the Bar Council of Himachal Pradesh, and the High Court Bar Associations of Punjab-Haryana and Himachal Pradesh to support the elevation of Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia to the Supreme Court. In a press note issued on Tuesday, the lawyers called on these four institutions to make representations before the Chief Justice of India, the Supreme Court Collegium, the Union Ministry of Law and Justice, and other constitutional authorities in favor of Justice Sandhawalia's appointment to the country's highest court.
Appeal Based on Merit and Integrity
The appeal, circulated by advocates AS Qaumi, SS Kundhali, and other lawyers, stated that the case for his elevation was based on “merit, proven competence, impeccable integrity and a distinguished record of service to the judicial institution.” Justice Sandhawalia, whose parent High Court is the Punjab and Haryana High Court, is described as one of the most respected judges to have emerged from that institution in recent decades. The signatories highlighted his intellectual rigor, balanced approach, understanding of constitutional and statutory law, and commitment to justice.
Career Background and Tenure
Justice Sandhawalia enrolled as an advocate in August 1989 and built a practice covering civil, criminal, service, land acquisition, and constitutional matters before being elevated as an Additional Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on September 30, 2011. He was confirmed as a Permanent Judge on January 24, 2014. The appeal also referred to his tenure as Acting Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court between February 4 and July 8, 2024, stating that he introduced measures aimed at streamlining judicial functioning, strengthening institutional discipline, improving case management, and ensuring efficient administration of justice.
Diversity and Representation
The appeal noted that Justice Sandhawalia’s elevation would make him the first Sikh judge of the Supreme Court in nearly a decade. While emphasizing that merit must remain the primary consideration, the lawyers argued that his appointment would also contribute to diversity in the higher judiciary. They urged the Bar Councils and Bar Associations concerned to “speak with one voice” in support of his elevation.
