Justice Sheel Nagu Appointed Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court

Justice Sheel Nagu Appointed Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court

Justice Sheel Nagu has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court by the Centre, succeeding Acting Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia. The announcement, made on July 5th, 2024, marks a significant transition in the judiciary of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Appointment and Swearing-In

The appointment follows a notification by the Centre, which acted on the recommendation of the Supreme Court Collegium. Justice Nagu previously served as the Acting Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court after Chief Justice Ravi Malimath retired on May 24, 2024. His new appointment fills the position left vacant since Chief Justice RS Jha's retirement on October 13, 2023.

Swearing-In Ceremony

Justice Sheel Nagu will take the oath of office in a formal ceremony at the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The event will be attended by senior judges, government officials, and dignitaries from the legal fraternity, highlighting the importance of this significant judicial appointment.

Background and Career

Early Life and Education: Born on January 1, 1965, Justice Sheel Nagu enrolled as an advocate in October 1987.

Legal Practice: He practiced at the Madhya Pradesh High Court, handling constitutional, service, labor, and criminal cases.

Judicial Career: Justice Nagu was appointed as a judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on May 27, 2011. Over his 12-year tenure, he authored more than 499 reported judgments, contributing significantly to the legal landscape.

Supreme Court Collegium Recommendation

The Supreme Court Collegium recommended Justice Nagu's appointment on December 27, 2023. The collegium, comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices Sanjiv Khanna and BR Gavai, played a crucial role in his elevation.

Previous Acting Chief Justices

Justice Nagu follows the tenure of Acting Chief Justices who have served since October 2023. Justice Ritu Bahri served from October 2023 to February 2024, followed by Justice GS Sandhawalia from February 4, 2024, until Justice Nagu's recent appointment.

Recent Appointments and Changes

Alongside Justice Nagu's appointment, the Centre has also cleared other significant judicial appointments. Notably, Justice BR Sarangi was appointed as Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court on July 3, 2024, following the Supreme Court Collegium's recommendations.

Conclusion

Justice Sheel Nagu's appointment as the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court marks a new chapter for the judiciary in the region. His extensive experience and legal acumen are expected to contribute to the continued pursuit of justice and judicial excellence in Punjab and Haryana.