New Himachal High Court CJ GS Sandhawalia is second-generation Chief Justice from family
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Is passout of prestigious Chandigarh college, passionate about golf and hiking
Shimla: Justice GS Sandhawalia has been cleared by the Centre to be appointed as the new Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court.
Born on November 1, 1965, Justice Sandhawalia brings with him a rich legacy and a distinguished career in the judiciary. His father, Justice Surjit Singh Sandhawalia, served as the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and later the Patna High Court, making Justice Sandhawalia a second-generation judge.
A native of Chandigarh, Justice Sandhawalia completed his BA (Hons.) from DAV College, Chandigarh, in 1986 before securing his law degree from the Department of Laws, Panjab University. He was enrolled as an Advocate in August 1989 and quickly established himself as a prominent lawyer at the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Over the years, he represented a wide array of clients, including the Union Territory of Chandigarh, Panjab University and various state agencies such as the Punjab State Electricity Board and the Food Corporation of India. His extensive experience in criminal, civil, service, land acquisition and constitutional law laid the foundation for his elevation to the Punjab and Haryana High Court on September 30, 2011.
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Throughout his judicial career, Justice Sandhawalia has served in several key roles. He has chaired various committees, including the Departmental Promotion and Recruitment Committee, Mediation and Conciliation Committee, and the Vigilance & Disciplinary Committee, among others. His leadership extended to the Punjab State Legal Services Authority, where he served as the Executive Chairman, ensuring legal services were accessible to those in need.
Justice Sandhawalia is not just known for his legal acumen but also for his passion for sports and outdoors activities. During his college days, he was an avid lawn tennis player, representing both his college and university. His love for sports continues today, with a particular interest in golf. Additionally, he enjoys travel and nature-based activities like hiking, reflecting his active and adventurous spirit.
Justice Sandhawalia, who is currently the senior-most puisne judge at the Punjab and Haryana High Court, will take over from Justice Rajiv Shakdher, who is set to retire on October 18. The appointment comes after a prolonged delay, during which the Centre cited “sensitive information” as a reason for the holdup in moving forward with the Collegium’s recommendations for several high courts, including those of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Delhi, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Madras and Meghalaya.
A Supreme Court Bench, concerned with the delays, recently questioned the Centre on why the recommendations had not been acted upon. Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasised that the Supreme Court Collegium is not a mere search committee whose decisions can be ignored or stalled.
