NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 9: Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra is set to become the permanent Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court following a formal recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium. The decision, reached during a high-level meeting on August 6, paves the way for his full appointment to head the bench where he has been serving in an acting capacity.
The elevation comes after Justice Mishra assumed the office of Acting Chief Justice on June 1, 2026, following the appointment of Justice Sheel Nagu to the Supreme Court. Having transferred from the Allahabad High Court in July 2025, Justice Mishra brought a wealth of judicial experience to the high court administration.
Beginning his legal career in May 1993, Justice Mishra specialized in constitutional, service, and civil law. Over two decades at the bar, he served as arguing counsel for major public entities, including the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation, the Allahabad Development Authority, and Indian Oil Corporation, alongside representing the state government as senior counsel in critical matters.
He was designated Senior Advocate in 2013 and subsequently elevated to the bench as an additional judge at the Allahabad High Court in February 2014. He became a permanent judge in February 2016, completing more than eleven years of judicial service at Allahabad before his transfer. He holds an Economics degree from Kirori Mal College and a law degree from the Campus Law Centre, Delhi University.
