Shimla: Justice GS Sandhawalia is set to assume charge as the new Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court.
The oath-taking ceremony will be held on Sunday (December 29, 2024) at Raj Bhavan. Currently, Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, who hails from Shimla district in Himachal Pradesh, has been serving as the Acting Chief Justice.
Justice Sandhawalia, previously a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, was earlier recommended for the position of Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court in July this year.
He now takes over the reins of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, following the retirement of Justice Rajiv Shakdher on October 19, 2024.
Who is Justice GS Sandhawalia?
Justice Sandhawalia completed his graduation from DAV College, Chandigarh, in 1986, followed by an LLB from Panjab University in 1989.
He began his legal career as an advocate with the Punjab and Haryana Bar Council. From 1983 to 1987, he served at the Patna High Court. His father also served as Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court during 1978-1983.
12 judges now in Himachal 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.