Punjab objects to HC Chief Justice appointment citing Memorandum of Procedure and state consultation

Direct fact

In September 2026, the Punjab Cabinet objected to the Centre’s notification appointing Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra as Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, saying the appointment was made without waiting for the State government’s views under the Memorandum of Procedure.

Key specifics

• The Cabinet resolution was passed on Sunday, 6 September 2026, before the oath ceremony scheduled for Monday, 7 September 2026.
• The Centre notified Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra’s appointment on 5 September 2026, about one month after the Supreme Court Collegium recommendation.
• Justice Mishra had been functioning as Acting Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court since June 2026.
• Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann wrote to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a pause in the oath administration.
• The State cited Para 6 of the Memorandum of Procedure for appointment and transfer of High Court Chief Justices and Judges, which requires the Union Law Ministry to obtain the State government’s views.

Exam lens

Polity and judiciary question type: High Court appointments, Memorandum of Procedure, Collegium system, state consultation; TNPSC may ask who recommends, who notifies, and what Para 6 requires.