Centre notifies appointment of two advocates, one judicial officer as Himachal High Court judges

New Delhi, July 28

The Centre on Friday notified the appointment of advocates Ranjan Sharma and Bipin Chander Negi, and judicial officer Rakesh Kainthla as judges of the Himachal Pradesh High Court.

Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal took to Twitter to announce the news.

In exercise of the power conferred by the Constitution of India, the Hon’ble President of India, after consultation with Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, is pleased to appoint following as High Court Judges:- pic.twitter.com/eAY9wVkgzq

— Arjun Ram Meghwal (@arjunrammeghwal) July 28, 2023

The Himachal Pradesh High Court is currently functioning with only nine judges against a sanctioned strength of 17 judges.

The Supreme Court Collegium led by CJI DY Chandrachud had on July 12 recommended their names for elevation as judges of the Himachal Pradesh High Court.

“The Chief Justice of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh in consultation with his two senior-most colleagues made the recommendation on 05 December 2022. The Chief Minister and the Governor of the State of Himachal Pradesh have concurred in the recommendation,” the Collegium resolution read.

“In terms of the Memorandum of Procedure, we have consulted Judges of the Supreme Court who are conversant with the affairs of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh in order to ascertain the suitability of the above-named Advocates and Judicial Officer for elevation to the High Court of Himachal Pradesh,” it had stated.