Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra sworn in as Punjab and Haryana HC chief

Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra formally assumed office as Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in a ceremony held on Monday. The swearing-in marked the beginning of his tenure at the helm of the high court, which exercises judicial authority across Punjab and Haryana.

The absence of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann from the event underscored an undercurrent of tension surrounding the appointment. The state government had previously expressed opposition to Justice Mishra's elevation to the chief justice position, a stance that reflected broader concerns about judicial appointments within the administration.

Despite the political friction, the ceremony proceeded as scheduled with other senior officials and members of the judiciary in attendance. Justice Mishra's appointment follows the standard procedure governing the succession of chief justices at high courts across India, determined by the seniority principle within the judiciary.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court, one of India's major high courts, exercises jurisdiction over matters spanning both states and the Union Territory of Chandigarh. Justice Mishra's leadership will oversee the functioning of the court during a period of continued judicial engagement across the region.