CJ Appointment Row: High Court Bar accuses Punjab Govt of executive overreach
Kuljinder Sra
Chandigarh, September 6, 2026: The Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association has strongly opposed the Punjab Government’s decision to challenge the appointment of Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra as Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, describing the move as an unwarranted executive intervention in judicial matters.
The Bar Association stated an emergency meeting chaired by its President Rohit Sud, after the Punjab Cabinet decided to seek a hold on the appointment until the state government’s views are obtained and considered.
The Bar’s Executive Committee expressed concern that the state government’s move could undermine the separation of powers and judicial independence.
Honorary Secretary Parampreet Singh Bajwa said the independence of the judiciary is a fundamental feature of India’s constitutional democracy and an integral part of the Constitution’s Basic Structure.
The association said judicial appointments are governed by constitutional provisions, established procedures and Supreme Court precedents, and should not become subject to political disagreements between the Centre and a state government.
The Bar Association also rejected the attempt to portray the issue primarily as one of federalism or state rights, warning that political intervention in judicial appointments could affect public confidence in the justice delivery system.
Calling upon members of the legal fraternity to remain united, the association reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the authority, dignity and independence of the High Court.