Sunil Chadha
Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia was sworn in as the 30th Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court on Sunday (December 29, 2024) at a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan in Shimla.
The oath was administered by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu congratulated Justice Sandhawalia, expressing confidence in his leadership to strengthen the state’s judicial framework.
Chief Minister Sukhu congratulates new Chief Justice
In a tweet, he stated, “Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia’s vast experience and vision will add a new dimension to the spirit of justice in Himachal Pradesh.”
Previously a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Justice Sandhawalia was recommended for the Chief Justice role in Madhya Pradesh earlier this year. He now succeeds Justice Rajiv Shakdher, who retired in October.
Graduated from DAV College in Chandigarh
Justice Sandhawalia graduated from DAV College, Chandigarh, in 1986 and completed his LLB from Panjab University in 1989.
He began his legal career with the Punjab and Haryana Bar Council and also served at the Patna High Court between 1983 and 1987. His father was Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court from 1978 to 1983.
12 judges now in Himachal Pradesh High Court
With Justice Sandhawalia’s appointment, the Himachal Pradesh High Court will have a total of 12 judges, including the Chief Justice.
The current roster includes Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, Justice Vivek Singh Thakur, Justice Ajay Mohan Goel, Justice Sandeep Sharma, Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua, Justice Satyen Vaidya, Justice Sushil Kukreja, Justice Virender Singh, Justice Ranjan Sharma, Justice BC Negi and Justice Rakesh Kainthla.
