New Delhi: Anupinder Singh Grewal appointed NCLT President is the latest major development in India’s judicial and corporate law ecosystem.
The appointment of former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Anupinder Singh Grewal as President of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) marks a significant step toward strengthening insolvency and corporate dispute resolution mechanisms in the country.
This decision, confirmed through official government notification, is expected to enhance efficiency in handling cases under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).
Who is Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal?
Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal is a distinguished jurist who was appointed as the President of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in April 2026.
His appointment is notable as he is the first former senior High Court judge to lead the tribunal, a role typically reserved for former Chief Justices.
Early Life and Education
Born on March 10, 1964, in Ludhiana, Punjab, Justice Grewal comes from a family with a strong background in public service. His father served as the Chief Engineer for the Punjab PWD, and his maternal grandfather was an IAS officer.
Schooling: St. John’s High School, Chandigarh, and Yadavindra Public School, Patiala.
Higher Education: He earned his B.A. (Hons) and M.A. in History from the prestigious St. Stephen’s College, Delhi.
Legal Education: He obtained his LL.B. from the University of Delhi in 1992.
Legal Career (1992–2014)
Justice Grewal began his practice at the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 1992. Over two decades, he established himself as a versatile advocate, handling complex civil, constitutional, and criminal matters.
State Representation: He served the State of Punjab in various senior capacities, including Assistant Advocate General, Deputy Advocate General, and Additional Advocate General.
Central Government: In 2007, he was appointed Central Government Counsel and later became a Senior Panel Counsel for the Union of India.
Judicial Career (2014–2026)
He was elevated to the bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court as an Additional Judge on September 25, 2014.
Transfers: He served briefly at the Rajasthan High Court (2014–2016), where he was confirmed as a permanent judge, before returning to his parent court in October 2016.
Notable Rulings: He was known for a “zero-tolerance” approach toward corruption and for handling high-profile suo motu cases. These included investigations into the jail interviews of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and scrutinizing the conduct of “tainted” police officials.
Retirement: He demitted office from the High Court on March 9, 2026, upon reaching the age of superannuation.
President of NCLT
Shortly after his retirement, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved his appointment as the President of the NCLT. He succeeded Justice Ramalingam Sudhakar. His term is set for five years or until he reaches the age of 67.
What is the NCLT and Why Does It Matters?
The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) is a quasi-judicial body that deals with:
- Corporate disputes
- Company law matters
- Insolvency proceedings under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)
It plays a central role in resolving stressed assets and helping businesses recover or exit efficiently.
The NCLT has been at the heart of India’s economic reforms, especially since the introduction of the IBC in 2016.
Read also: Secrets of the Bench: NCLAT Member Disclosure Probe Exposes Possible Abuse of Judicial Power
