Advocates Harmeet Grewal and Deepinder Nalwa Sworn In as Additional Judges of Punjab & Haryana High Court

In a significant development for the judiciary of the Punjab and Haryana region, Advocates Harmeet Singh Grewal and Deepinder Singh Nalwa were officially sworn in as Additional Judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday, February 17, 2025. This appointment enhances the court's judicial capacity, bringing the current number of judges to 53 against a sanctioned strength of 85.

Background of the Appointments

The journey to their elevation began in April 2023, when the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, in collaboration with his two senior-most colleagues, recommended the elevation of five advocates to the position of judges. This list included Harmeet Singh Grewal, Deepinder Singh Nalwa, Sumeet Goel, Sudeepti Sharma, and Kirti Singh. The recommendations received concurrence from the Chief Ministers and Governors of both Punjab and Haryana, signifying a unified agreement on the proposed elevations.

In October 2023, the Supreme Court Collegium reviewed these recommendations and endorsed all five candidates for appointment as Additional Judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Subsequently, in November 2023, four of the advocates—Sumeet Goel, Sudeepti Sharma, and Kirti Singh—were appointed as Additional Judges. However, the appointments of Harmeet Singh Grewal and Deepinder Singh Nalwa experienced a delay, leading to their eventual confirmation in February 2025.

Supreme Court Collegium's Evaluation

The Supreme Court Collegium, in its November 2024 resolution, provided detailed insights into the suitability of the candidates. For Harmeet Singh Grewal, the Collegium noted that two of the three consultee-judges unanimously offered a positive opinion regarding his elevation, affirming his competence and integrity for the role of a High Court Judge.

Regarding Deepinder Singh Nalwa, the Collegium highlighted that all three consultee-judges unanimously supported his appointment. They emphasized Nalwa's extensive legal practice, which is evidenced by a substantial number of reported judgments in cases he has argued. This track record reflects his profound legal acumen and commitment to the profession.

Official Notification and Swearing-In Ceremony

The official appointment was solidified through a notification issued by the Union Law Ministry on February 12, 2025. The notification stated that, in exercise of the powers conferred by the Constitution of India, the President, after consulting with the Chief Justice of India, appointed Harmeet Singh Grewal and Deepinder Singh Nalwa as Additional Judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

The swearing-in ceremony, held on February 17, 2025, was presided over by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu. The event marked a significant milestone in the careers of the newly appointed judges and was attended by esteemed members of the legal fraternity, including sitting judges, senior advocates, and other dignitaries.

Implications of the Appointments

The induction of Justices Grewal and Nalwa is poised to bolster the judicial strength of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. With the current working strength now at 53 judges, the court is better positioned to address its caseload more efficiently. This augmentation is anticipated to expedite the adjudication process, reduce pendency, and enhance the overall delivery of justice in the region.

Moreover, the appointments reflect the judiciary's commitment to recognizing and elevating legal professionals with proven expertise and dedication. Both Justices Grewal and Nalwa bring with them a wealth of experience and a history of legal excellence, which are invaluable assets to the High Court.

Conclusion

The swearing-in of Justices Harmeet Singh Grewal and Deepinder Singh Nalwa as Additional Judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court signifies a positive stride towards strengthening the judiciary in the region. Their appointments are expected to contribute significantly to the court's efficiency and the effective dispensation of justice, thereby upholding the rule of law and reinforcing public trust in the judicial system.