Acting Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra, administered the oath of office to Justice Harmeet Singh Grewal and Justice Deepinder Singh Nalwa as permanent judges of the court on July 7, 2026. The ceremony, held at the high court premises in Chandigarh, was attended by sitting and retired judges, bureaucrats, relatives, and members of the legal fraternity.
Background of the Appointments
Both Justice Grewal and Justice Nalwa were serving as additional judges prior to their elevation to permanent status. The Supreme Court Collegium approved their confirmation last month, following which the central government issued formal warrants of appointment. The oath-taking ceremony was described as simple yet impressive, reflecting the significance of the occasion.
Persistent Judge Shortage at the High Court
The Punjab and Haryana High Court, one of India's busiest high courts, continues to grapple with a substantial shortage of judges. Against a sanctioned strength of 85 judges, the court currently has only 55 judges, leaving nearly one-third of the posts vacant. This vacancy rate has been a longstanding concern, affecting case disposal and judicial efficiency.
Pending Elevations and Future Appointments
The high court is also awaiting the appointment of 10 advocates whose names have been cleared by the Supreme Court Collegium for elevation to the bench. These appointments are expected to partially address the shortage, though the court still requires additional judges to reach its full sanctioned strength.
Impact on Judicial Workload
The shortage of judges has led to a heavy workload for existing judges, with thousands of cases pending. The confirmation of Justice Grewal and Justice Nalwa as permanent judges is a step towards strengthening the bench, but the high court continues to face challenges in managing its caseload. The legal fraternity has welcomed the appointments, hoping for faster resolution of cases.
