Chandigarh, JUNE 1 — Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra will assume the responsibilities of the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court following an executive order from the President under the country’s constitutional guidelines.
The transition became necessary after Chief Justice Sheel Nagu vacated the position upon his formal elevation to a judgeship at the Supreme Court. The Ministry of Law and Justice announced the administrative change on Monday, noting that the selection ensures continuity of leadership for the regional high court bench.
“The President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra, Judge of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana, to perform the duties of the office of the Chief Justice,” the federal notification declared, citing the specific executive powers provided under Article 223 of the Constitution.
Justice Mishra brings over a decade of judicial experience to the acting leadership post. He initially took oath as an additional high court judge in Uttar Pradesh in February 2014 and secured a permanent judgeship there two years later, handling key criminal trials and administrative challenges before his formal transfer to Chandigarh in July 2025.
Prior to entering judicial service, Mishra maintained an extensive legal practice spanning civil and statutory defense. After completing his legal qualifications at Delhi University, he spent two decades as an arguing counsel, representing corporations like the Ghaziabad Development Authority and IFFCO, while frequently serving as a senior state counsel for major government litigation.
During his current tenure at the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Mishra has established a clear judicial profile by issuing strict directives against illicit mining cartels and authoring foundational orders on public service and labor laws. Legal analysts noted that his appointment stabilizes the local registry at a time when the apex court is expanding its central bench composition to address regional case volumes.
