Punjab and Haryana High Court: History, Judges and Recent Developments
Introduction: Why the Punjab and Haryana High Court matters
The Punjab and Haryana High Court is a principal judicial institution for the states of Punjab and Haryana and the Union Territory of Chandigarh. Its decisions affect governance, rights and administration across a large and economically important region. Recent proposals and historic appointments connected to this court underscore its continuing relevance to legal and civic life.
Main developments and notable figures
Historic judicial appointments
Sarv Mittra Sikri, who practised at the High Court of Punjab and Haryana and served as Advocate-General for Punjab from 1 November 1956 to 2 February 1964, was the first person appointed directly from the Bar to the Supreme Court of India on 3 February 1964. He later became Chief Justice of India on 22 January 1971, and is noted as one of only two Chief Justices directly elevated from the Bar.
Past judges and leadership lists
The court’s records include lists of Chief Justices: those who served the Punjab High Court from 1947–1966 and those who have served the Punjab and Haryana High Court from 1966 to the present. Past judges of the court include figures such as Madan Mohan Punchhi. These lists are maintained to provide transparency and historical record of the court’s leadership.
Administrative and technical oversight
Among the court’s administrative roles, Justice Rajesh Bindal has been identified as Chairman of the Computer Committee of the Punjab and Haryana High Court (as noted in an official PDF). Such committees address court infrastructure and digitisation efforts.
Recent proposals on court structure
On 30 April 2022, at a joint meeting of Chief Ministers and Chief Justices of High Courts, the governments of Punjab and Haryana proposed the establishment of separate high courts for each state. The proposal, discussed at that meeting, signals potential structural change in the regional judicial architecture pending further decisions.
Conclusion: Significance and outlook
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has played a notable role in India’s judicial history through landmark appointments and ongoing administrative initiatives. The 2022 proposal for separate high courts indicates a possible reconfiguration of judicial boundaries that would have administrative and legal implications for the region. For authoritative updates, the court maintains an official website and an official YouTube channel, which provide public access to notifications and institutional information.
