Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, a distinguished judge formerly serving in the Himachal Pradesh High Court, was recently sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court. The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Raj Bhavan in Ranchi in the presence of several dignitaries, including the Governor of Jharkhand, senior judges, the Chief Minister, and other members of the judiciary and administrative services. With this appointment, Justice Chauhan becomes the seventeenth Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court, bringing with him decades of judicial experience and a legacy of reform-oriented contributions in various branches of law.
Born on January 9, 1964, in the Rohru tehsil of Shimla district in Himachal Pradesh, Justice Chauhan completed his early education at the prestigious Bishop Cotton School in Shimla. He held leadership positions during his school years, serving as both House Captain and School Captain. Following his school education, he pursued a degree from DAV College, Chandigarh, graduating with honors, and then went on to study law at Panjab University in Chandigarh. His legal career began in 1989 when he enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council. Over the years, he developed a substantial practice before the Himachal Pradesh High Court, where he represented several prominent public sector entities and government bodies, including the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board and the Civil Supplies Corporation.
Justice Chauhan's judicial journey formally began in 2014 when he was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. Later that same year, in November, he was confirmed as a permanent judge. Over the subsequent decade, he emerged as one of the most respected judges of the High Court, known for his clear reasoning, emphasis on justice delivery, and deep engagement with public interest issues. He also served as Acting Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court on two occasions—in 2023 and 2024—earning widespread appreciation for his calm administrative leadership and judicial clarity.
One of the most defining aspects of Justice Chauhan's career has been his active involvement in legal reform and institutional development. He served as the Chairperson of the Juvenile Justice Committee of the Himachal Pradesh High Court from 2014 to 2023. In this role, he spearheaded numerous initiatives focused on the protection, welfare, and rehabilitation of children, particularly those in conflict with the law or living in institutional care. His efforts helped bridge gaps in the child protection system and brought judicial oversight to the implementation of juvenile laws.
In addition to his work on juvenile justice, Justice Chauhan chaired the e-Courts Committee in Himachal Pradesh. Under his leadership, the High Court saw a significant technological overhaul aimed at increasing transparency and accessibility. He was instrumental in rolling out e-filing mechanisms, digitizing case records, and expanding virtual courtrooms—steps that proved especially valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic. His advocacy for using technology to make the judiciary more efficient and user-friendly marked a progressive shift in how courts interacted with litigants, lawyers, and the general public.
Justice Chauhan also took keen interest in environmental issues. He served as amicus curiae in several landmark cases concerning environmental protection in Himachal Pradesh. His involvement included matters related to hydropower regulation, solid waste management, tobacco and plastic bans, and the formulation of road safety and infrastructure policies. In each of these cases, he applied legal reasoning grounded in sustainability and the precautionary principle, demonstrating his commitment to balancing development with ecological preservation.
Furthermore, his judicial engagement extended to access-to-justice initiatives. He actively participated in the functioning of Lok Adalats and legal aid programs, ensuring that marginalized and underprivileged communities had better access to legal remedies. His tenure helped bridge the gap between the court system and vulnerable populations, reinforcing the idea that the judiciary must serve all sections of society, not just the privileged.
The appointment of Justice Chauhan as Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court came following a recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium. His name was proposed by the Collegium in May 2025, recognizing his seniority, administrative capabilities, and jurisprudential contributions. The Union Government issued the official notification formalizing his appointment in mid-July. With this new role, Justice Chauhan succeeds Justice M. S. Ramachandra Rao, who has been transferred as Chief Justice of the Tripura High Court.
During his swearing-in address at Raj Bhavan, Justice Chauhan spoke about the values that define an effective judiciary. He emphasized that the judiciary should operate as a cohesive family, driven by mutual respect, cooperation, and a deep commitment to justice. He highlighted the importance of empathy, not just within the legal system but also in personal relationships within the judicial community—among judges, court staff, advocates, and litigants. According to him, these values not only ensure better administration but also humanize the legal process, making it more inclusive and accessible.
Justice Chauhan’s assumption of office comes at a critical time for the Jharkhand High Court, which is currently dealing with a range of complex legal issues, including matters related to tribal rights, corruption, environmental protection, and constitutional governance. His wide-ranging experience in judicial reforms, coupled with his record of environmentally conscious and socially responsive judgments, positions him to play a pivotal role in shaping the High Court's approach to these challenges.
His appointment is also expected to bring in administrative efficiency and a renewed focus on digitization, case disposal, and court accessibility in Jharkhand. Given his previous work in modernizing court operations in Himachal Pradesh, it is anticipated that Justice Chauhan will encourage similar advancements in Jharkhand, aligning the judiciary more closely with the needs of the people it serves. His proven commitment to transparency, fairness, and judicial activism is likely to influence how the Jharkhand High Court navigates its docket in the years to come.
Justice Chauhan's journey from a dedicated advocate in the hills of Himachal to the Chief Justice of a key High Court in eastern India is a testament to his legal acumen, administrative capability, and moral integrity. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated that the judiciary is not merely a forum for legal interpretation but also an institution for social change and governance. As he steps into his new role, all eyes will be on how he applies these principles in the unique social, economic, and political context of Jharkhand.
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