HP feels like home, was part of erstwhile Punjab, says new CJ

Justice GS Sandhawalia was sworn-in as the Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court at Raj Bhavan here today. Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla administered the oath of office to Justice Sandhawalia. The ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Judges of the High Court, ministers, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena and other dignitaries.

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“I’ve been here very often and it’s been a part of Punjab. So, therefore, it’s like homecoming for me,” the Chief Justice said in a brief interaction with the media. “I am told that the people of Himachal are far more peace loving and there’s very little criminal work. There’s more service and civil work,” said the Chief Justice.

He added that with the help of his colleagues, he would ensure that justice is delivered at the earliest to the people. “We will ensure that the needy and senior citizens, the ones who require legal aid and help get it,” he said.

“We will sit for longer hours to address the pendency of cases. We will also involve the Bar to ensure it is in sync with us and do not seek too many adjournments. I have been a practising member, so I understand what they have on their mind. I will ensure all kinds of apprehensions are taken care of,” he said.

Born on November 1, 1965, Justice Sandhawalia did his graduation in BA (Hons) from DAV College, Chandigarh, in 1986. An alumnus of the Department of Laws, Panjab University, Chandigarh, he was enrolled as an advocate in August 1989 and practiced at the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

He was elevated to the Bench on September 30, 2011, and became a permanent Judge of this court on January 24, 2014. He has been the chairman of several committees like the Departmental Promotion and Recruitment Committee, Mediation and Conciliation Committee, Recruitment and Promotion Committee (Superior Judicial Service), Vigilance and Disciplinary Committee, etc. He has also been the Executive Chairman of the Punjab State Legal Services Authority. He was appointed as the Acting Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on February 4, 2024, and held the post till July 8, 2024.