New Delhi: The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra for appointment as Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant headed the Collegium meeting on August 6, where the recommendation was made.
Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra’s Appointment
Justice Mishra previously served as a judge of the Allahabad High Court. He joined the Punjab and Haryana High Court after his transfer and took oath on July 21, 2025.
On June 1, he took charge as Acting Chief Justice. He succeeded Justice Sheel Nagu after the latter moved to the Supreme Court.
The latest recommendation comes about two months after Justice Mishra became the Acting Chief Justice.
Focus on Court Infrastructure
Justice Mishra has focused on judicial infrastructure and access to justice during his tenure.
The High Court inaugurated two major projects during this period. One was the Tower of Justice, a new court complex in Gurugram.
Officials also opened a multi-level parking facility at the District Courts Complex in Sector 43, Chandigarh.
Justice Mishra formed a committee to suggest ways to improve court infrastructure. The committee will focus on better court buildings and easier public access to judicial services.
Environmental and Rehabilitation Initiatives
Justice Mishra has also supported several environmental initiatives.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant recently launched a tree plantation drive across Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh. Justice Mishra attended the launch event.
The campaign aims to plant lakhs of indigenous saplings at court complexes and other judicial institutions.
Meanwhile, authorities have launched a youth recovery and rehabilitation campaign. The initiative aims to help vulnerable young people overcome substance dependence and rebuild their lives.
Justice Mishra’s Judicial Work
Justice Mishra has handled several important matters during his time at the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
His Bench has heard cases involving illegal mining, environmental protection, judicial administration, service law and constitutional issues.
He has also given greater attention to public interest litigation. In suitable cases, his Bench has sought responses from the state at an early stage.
The Bench has also listed some cases for early hearings where necessary. Several matters involving alleged illegal mining in the Aravalli region have come before him.
High Court Records Strong Case Disposal
The Punjab and Haryana High Court recorded a strong case disposal rate last month.
The court disposed of 18,574 cases during the period. It received 18,373 fresh cases during the same period.
As a result, the court cleared 201 more cases than it received. Overall pendency also remained stable over the previous six months.
Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra’s recommendation now moves to the next stage of the appointment process.