7 September 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra was sworn in as the new Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday, despite strong objections from the Punjab government over the appointment process.
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria administered the oath of office to Justice Mishra at a ceremony in Chandigarh. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was not present at the ceremony.
Governor Administers Oath
The oath ceremony was scheduled for 9.30 am at Punjab Lok Bhawan, with Governor Gulab Chand Kataria administering the oath.
Justice Mishra had been serving as the Acting Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court since June 2, following the appointment of Justice Sheel Nagu to the Supreme Court.
Punjab Government Had Opposed Appointment
The swearing-in came a day after the Punjab Cabinet passed a resolution opposing Justice Mishra’s elevation.
The state government had urged the President, Prime Minister and Governor to keep the appointment and oath on hold until Punjab’s views were obtained and considered.
Centre-State Dispute Over Consultation
The Punjab government alleged that the Centre notified Justice Mishra’s appointment without waiting for the state’s response under Paragraph 6 of the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) for the appointment and transfer of High Court judges.
According to the state government, the Union Ministry of Law and Justice had sought Punjab’s views on August 12, but the appointment was notified before the state could communicate its response.
Legal Position More Nuanced
The Punjab government’s objection has triggered a wider debate over the consultation process.
Legal experts cited by The Tribune have pointed out that Punjab’s consent is not mandatory for the appointment of a High Court Chief Justice. The MoP provides for consultation, but that is different from requiring the state’s approval or consent.
Justice Mishra’s Judicial Career
Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra is a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and had been performing the duties of Chief Justice in an acting capacity since June.
The Union government formally notified his appointment as the full-time Chief Justice on September 5, following the Supreme Court Collegium’s recommendation.
Punjab Government’s Wider Concerns
The Punjab Cabinet linked its objection to broader concerns about the Centre-state relationship.
The state government cited several other issues, including BBMB rules, Punjab University, rural development fund dues and flood relief, while accusing the Centre of repeatedly interfering with Punjab’s constitutional rights.
CM Bhagwant Mann Skips Ceremony
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s absence from the swearing-in ceremony was notable because chief ministers of Punjab and Haryana traditionally attend the oath-taking of the High Court Chief Justice.
His absence came amid the state government’s public opposition to the appointment.
Justice Mishra Takes Charge Amid Political Row
With the oath administered, Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra has formally assumed the office of Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.