Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra officially assumed the role of Chief Justice for the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday in Chandigarh. His swearing-in, however, occurred without the presence of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, whose government has publicly challenged the appointment process, escalating a constitutional dispute between the state and the Centre.
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria administered the oath during a formal ceremony. Dignitaries included Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Haryana Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh, alongside High Court judges, senior officials, and legal fraternity members.
The conspicuous absence of CM Mann and his entire Cabinet followed a resolution passed just a day prior. The Punjab government's resolution explicitly objected to Justice Mishra's appointment and urged a postponement of the swearing-in, citing a lack of state consultation in the process.
The state government maintained that the Centre proceeded without awaiting its views, appealing to the President, Prime Minister, and Governor to defer the appointment. Conversely, the Centre asserts that High Court Chief Justice appointments adhere to the established memorandum of procedure and constitutional mechanisms, rendering state government concurrence non-mandatory.
The Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, had recommended Justice Mishra's elevation on August 6. This appointment has ignited an unusual political and constitutional controversy, with the Punjab government openly questioning the procedural integrity. Justice Mishra had served as Acting Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court since June 2, following the elevation of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu to the Supreme Court. He was transferred to the Punjab and Haryana High Court from the Allahabad High Court in July 2025.
Born on November 16, 1968, Justice Mishra pursued a BA (Honours) in Economics from Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, and an LLB from the University's Campus Law Centre. He became an Additional Judge of the Allahabad High Court on February 3, 2014, and a permanent Judge on February 1, 2016, serving there until his transfer on July 20, 2025. This episode further strains the relationship between the AAP-led state government and the BJP-led Centre.
Image for illustration purposes only
đź“° Source: Mangalorean News