Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan Sworn in as Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court
Oath-Taking Ceremony in Ranchi
On July 23, 2025, Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan officially assumed the role of Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court. The oath-taking ceremony took place at Raj Bhavan in Ranchi, where Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar administered the oath of office and secrecy to the esteemed legal figure from Himachal Pradesh.
A Gathering of Legal and Political Figures
The ceremony was attended by Justice Chauhan's family, senior judges, legal professionals, and notable political figures, including Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who extended his congratulations to the new Chief Justice following the event. Governor Gangwar welcomed Justice Chauhan with a bouquet of flowers, symbolizing the start of his new role.
A Distinguished Judicial Career
Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, born on January 9, 1964, in Rohru tehsil of Shimla district, boasts an impressive judicial background. While serving at the Himachal Pradesh High Court, he resolved around 75,000 cases, setting a high standard for judicial efficiency. His predecessor, former Justice Rajeev Sharma, had closed 60,000 cases during his tenure.
Farewell and Recognition
Justice Chauhan received a warm farewell at the Himachal High Court on July 18, where Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia praised him for his discipline and compassion. Justice Sandhawalia highlighted Chauhan's humility and analytical skills, noting that his contributions would be cherished for years.
Educational Background and Legal Journey
Justice Chauhan's educational journey began at the prestigious Bishop Cotton School in Shimla, followed by graduation from DAV College in Chandigarh, and a law degree from Panjab University. He began his legal career in 1989 after enrolling as an advocate with the Himachal Pradesh Bar Council, mentored by the esteemed lawyer Lala Chhabil Das.
Commitment to Social Issues
Appointed as a judge of the Himachal Pradesh High Court on February 23, 2014, Justice Chauhan was known for his sensitivity towards social issues. From May 2014 to August 2023, he actively advocated for the welfare of children in state-run homes, mental health facilities, and old age homes throughout Himachal Pradesh.
Active Participation in Judicial Forums
Beyond his courtroom duties, Justice Chauhan engaged in numerous national and international judicial forums, including discussions on the evolving role of the judiciary. He also served as the Executive Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority and was appointed Acting Chief Justice of the Himachal High Court on two occasions before his elevation to Jharkhand.