Shimla: The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the elevation of three judicial officers as judges of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. The move is expected to strengthen the functioning of the High Court, which is currently operating with fewer judges than its sanctioned strength.
The recommendation was made during a Collegium meeting chaired by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant.
Key Highlights of the Himachal Pradesh High Court Judges Appointment
- Supreme Court Collegium recommended the appointment of three judicial officers as judges of the Himachal Pradesh High Court.
- The recommended officers are:
- Chirag Bhanu Singh
- Bhupesh Sharma
- Yogesh Jaswal
- The decision was taken during the Collegium meeting held on June 2, 2026.
- The recommendations are subject to approval by the Central Government and formal notification by the Department of Justice.
Read also: Himachal Pradesh High Court Raises Concerns Over Police Reforms, Violations of IPS Cadre Rules
Who Are the Recommended Judicial Officers?
According to the Supreme Court Collegium resolution, the following judicial officers have been recommended for elevation to the Himachal Pradesh High Court Bench:
1. Chirag Bhanu Singh
A senior judicial officer with extensive experience in the Himachal Pradesh judicial system.
2. Bhupesh Sharma
An experienced judicial officer who has served in various judicial capacities in the state.
3. Yogesh Jaswal
A judicial officer with significant experience in district judiciary administration and court proceedings.
The Collegium assessed their merit, integrity, judicial performance, and suitability before making the recommendation.
Why Is the Himachal Pradesh High Court Judges Appointment Important?
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has been facing a shortage of judges.
Current Situation
- Sanctioned strength: 17 judges
- Working strength: 12 judges (including the Chief Justice)
- Existing vacancies: 5 judges
If the appointments are approved, the working strength of the High Court will increase to 15 judges, reducing the vacancy position significantly.
Other Decisions Taken by the Collegium
During the same meeting, the Supreme Court Collegium also recommended:
- Appointment of advocate Amit Lahoti as a judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
- Appointment of six advocates as judges of the Karnataka High Court.
These recommendations are part of ongoing efforts to fill judicial vacancies across Indian High Courts.
Read also: Explained: Why Himachal Pradesh High Court Stayed Shifting of Backward Classes Commission Office
