7 Aug 2025 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau) In a key development for the judiciary, the Supreme Court Collegium has given its approval for the elevation of a judicial officer to the post of judge in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The recommendation marks a continuation of the judiciary’s ongoing efforts to promote talent from the subordinate judiciary to the higher courts.
The Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, and comprising senior judges of the apex court, cleared the name of the judicial officer after reviewing the candidate’s professional record, integrity, and judicial acumen.
Although the official name has not been publicly disclosed yet, sources familiar with the matter indicated that the recommendation follows a rigorous selection process involving consultation with the Chief Justices of High Courts, intelligence and vigilance clearance, and evaluation of judgments delivered by the officer during their tenure in the lower judiciary.
Merit-Based Elevation
The move is in line with the Supreme Court Collegium’s stated preference to maintain a balanced representation of candidates from both the Bar and the Bench, ensuring diversity in appointments. Over the past few years, judicial officers from within the subordinate judiciary have increasingly been recognized for their grassroots-level experience and understanding of trial court dynamics.
“This nomination reflects the importance of merit and experience, especially among those who have spent decades upholding justice at the grassroots level,” said a senior court official familiar with the process.
Next Steps
The approved recommendation will now be forwarded to the Union Ministry of Law and Justice, which will initiate the process for the formal issuance of appointment orders after the President of India’s assent.
Once appointed, the judicial officer will join the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which has been functioning under a growing caseload and a shortage of judges. The court currently has several vacancies, and the elevation is expected to help ease the burden and improve the speed of adjudication.
Broader Context
The Supreme Court Collegium has been under public and institutional scrutiny regarding its judicial appointments process. However, in recent months, the Collegium has taken visible steps to increase transparency, prioritize timely appointments, and promote deserving candidates irrespective of their background—whether from the Bar or lower judiciary.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court serves one of the most legally active regions in the country and is known for handling a high volume of civil, criminal, and constitutional cases. The elevation of experienced judicial officers is seen as essential to preserving the court’s efficiency and credibility.