Supreme Court Collegium Proposes New Judges for Punjab and Haryana High Court

Judicial Appointments Recommended

New Delhi, Dec 17: The Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, has put forward the names of two judicial officers for appointment as judges in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

The proposal for appointing Ramesh Chander Dimri and Neerja Kulwant Kalson was initiated by the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, in consultation with his two senior-most colleagues.

In a statement released on the apex court's website, it was noted, "The Supreme Court Collegium, during its meeting on December 16, 2025, has approved the appointment of the following Judicial Officers as Judges of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana: (i) Shri Ramesh Chander Dimri, and (ii) Ms. Neerja Kulwant Kalson."

According to the memorandum of procedure (MoP) that governs the appointment of High Court judges, the Chief Justice must initiate the proposal for appointments.

If the Chief Minister wishes to suggest any names, these must be sent to the Chief Justice for consideration. The Governor, upon the Chief Minister's advice, is required to forward the recommendation along with all relevant documents to the Union Minister of Law & Justice promptly, but no later than six weeks after receiving the proposal from the Chief Justice of the High Court.

The proposal is then assessed by the Centre, which reviews it alongside other background information before it is sent to the Chief Justice of India (CJI). The CJI consults with the two senior-most judges of the Supreme Court prior to finalizing the recommendation.

After these consultations, the CJI will send his recommendation to the Union Minister of Law & Justice within four weeks.

Once the President signs the warrant of appointment, the Secretary of the Department of Justice will notify the Chief Justice, and a copy of this communication will be sent to the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister will then announce the appointment and issue the necessary notification in the Gazette of India.