Justice Sandhawalia’s appointment as Himachal Pradesh High Court Chief Justice expected soon

More than three months after the Supreme Court Collegium recommended Justice GS Sandhawalia’s elevation as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, the path has been cleared for his appointment with the completion of procedural formalities. The Centre is believed to be processing the same and his appointment orders could be signed by the President anytime now.

Available information suggests that the last huddle was removed following Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister’s mandatory concurrence for Justice Sandhawalia’s elevation. The matter was delayed as communication seeking the Chief Minister’s nod remained pending with the Centre. The post fell vacant after Chief Justice Rajiv Shakdher retired on October 18 upon reaching the age of superannuation.

Chief Justice Shakdher’s tenure, too, was brief following prolonged delay in notifying his appointment. His elevation as the Chief Justice was initially recommended by the Supreme Court collegium to the Centre on July 11.

But his actual appointment was delayed due to “procedural issues”. It was finally confirmed by the Law Ministry on September 21 and he was administered oath as the Chief Justice on September 25, ultimately cutting his tenure to just 24 days.

The Supreme Court Collegium had on July 11 recommended Justice Sandhawalia’s name to the Centre for his elevation as the Madhya Pradesh High Court Chief Justice. But the Collegium in September reviewed the recommendation. In supersession of its earlier decision, the Collegium recommended that Justice Sandhawalia—the first puisne or the senior-most Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court—be appointed as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court on Justice Shakdher’s retirement.

Justice Sandhawalia, elevated to the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2011, has held a range of significant roles, including chairman of several key committees, such as the departmental promotion and recruitment committee, mediation and conciliation committee, and vigilance & disciplinary committee. He also served as the Executive Chairman of the Punjab State Legal Services Authority and was appointed as Acting Chief Justice from February to July.

Justice Sandhawalia is the son of former Chief Justice Surjit Singh Sandhawalia, who served in both the Punjab and Haryana and Patna High Courts. Having a background in law from Panjab University, Justice Sandhawalia’s career as an advocate involved representing major institutions, including Panjab University and the Food Corporation of India. Outside the courtroom, he remains passionate about sports, travel, and nature-based activities such as hiking and golf.