Punjab–Centre Face-Off Over High Court Chief Justice Appointment; Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra Takes Oath
Kamal Singh|Newsdesk7
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Chandigarh, September 7, 2026: A fresh dispute has erupted between the Punjab government and the Centre over the appointment of Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra as Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The Punjab Cabinet had sought a hold on his appointment and oath, alleging that the state government’s views were not properly considered before the Centre notified the elevation.
Chandigarh, September 7, 2026: A fresh dispute has erupted between the Punjab government and the Centre over the appointment of Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra as Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The Punjab Cabinet had sought a hold on his appointment and oath, alleging that the state government’s views were not properly considered before the Centre notified the elevation.
However, despite the Punjab Cabinet’s resolution, Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra was sworn in as the 37th Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday. Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria administered the oath at Lok Bhawan.
Why Did Punjab Object?
The Punjab Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, alleged that the Centre notified Justice Mishra’s appointment without waiting for the state government to communicate its views.
The state government cited Paragraph 6 of the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) governing appointments and transfers of High Court judges and Chief Justices. Punjab argued that the concerned state government’s views should be obtained and considered before the appointment process is completed.
Punjab Cabinet Seeks Appointment on Hold
At an emergency meeting on Sunday, the Cabinet passed a resolution demanding that both the appointment and administration of oath be kept on hold until Punjab’s views were obtained and duly considered.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann accused the Centre of undermining Punjab’s constitutional and federal rights and linked the controversy to other ongoing Centre–Punjab disputes.
Justice Mishra Takes Oath Despite Objection
The state government's demand, however, did not stop the swearing-in ceremony.
Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra took oath as Chief Justice on September 7, with Governor Gulab Chand Kataria administering the oath. The development has further highlighted the disagreement between the AAP-led Punjab government and the Centre over the appointment process.
Notably, representatives of the Punjab government were reportedly absent from the oath ceremony, with empty seats becoming a visible symbol of the state government's opposition to the appointment.
Who Is Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra?
Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra was transferred from the Allahabad High Court to the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2025. Following the elevation of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu to the Supreme Court, Justice Mishra became the Acting Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in June 2026.
The Supreme Court Collegium subsequently recommended him for appointment as the regular Chief Justice of the court. The Centre later notified his appointment.
Punjab Raises Wider Federalism Concerns
The Punjab Cabinet has connected the appointment dispute with several other issues involving the Centre, including Rural Development Fund dues, flood relief, Bhakra Beas Management Board rules and Punjab University.
The state government argues that these issues collectively reflect concerns about Punjab's constitutional rights and the federal structure.
Bar Association Objects to Punjab Government's Move
The controversy has also drawn a response from the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association, which has criticised the Punjab government's intervention, describing it as executive overreach into judicial matters.
The disagreement therefore goes beyond a single appointment and has opened a wider debate over the respective roles of the judiciary, Union government and state governments in High Court appointments.
Key Highlights Punjab Cabinet opposed Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra’s appointment and sought a hold on his oath. Punjab alleged that the Centre did not wait for the state's views under the prescribed MoP procedure. Justice Mishra nevertheless took oath as Chief Justice on September 7, 2026. Governor Gulab Chand Kataria administered the oath. Justice Mishra previously served as Acting Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The controversy has intensified the Punjab–Centre political and constitutional dispute. The High Court Bar Association has criticised the Punjab government's move.
