Hon'ble Acting Chief Justice
Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan
Born on 9.1.1964 in Tehsil Rohru. Did his entire schooling from Bishop Cotton School, Shimla and was the House Captain Ibbetson House and thereafter the School Captain. Graduated with Honours from DAV College, Chandigarh and thereafter obtained degree in Law from Panjab University, Chandigarh. Enrolled as an Advocate with the Bar Council of Himachal Pradesh in 1989 and joined illustrious chamber of Lala Chhabil Das, Advocate. Started practice in High Court of Himachal Pradesh and practiced in all branches of law. Prior to elevation was Standing Counsel-cum-Legal Advisor of H.P. State Electricity Board Ltd. and earlier to that was Standing Counsel-cum-Legal Advisor of H.P. State Civil Supplies Corporation. Conducted cases of various departments including Boards, Corporations, Financial Institutions, Public and Private Companies, Educational Institutions and Cooperative Societies etc. As a Lawyer, had been actively associated with the Legal Aid Programmes. Remained member of various Lok Adalats. Was appointed Amicus-Curiae by the High Court in many important cases relating to violation of Environmental Laws by the Hydel Projects, Ropeways etc., ban on plastic and tobacco products, implementation of Solid Waste Management Projects and framing of road construction policy in Himachal Pradesh. Elevated as Additional Judge of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh and assumed the Office as such on 23.2.2014 (F.N.) Took oath as Judge of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh on 30th November 2014 (Forenoon).
His Lordship remained as Chairperson of the Juvenile Justice Committee, High Court of Himachal Pradesh w.e.f. 05.05.2014 to 07.08.2023 and during this period, his Lordship has done tremendous work with keen interest for the welfare and interest of the children of Bal/Balika Ashrams, Himachal, Hospital For Mental Health and Rehab Shimla and old age homes of Himachal Pradesh. Participated in various National and International Conferences including the International Judicial Conference on the theme – “Judiciary and the Changing World” held w.e.f. 21.2.2020 to 23.2.2020 in the Supreme Court of India, New Delhi, one Day’s National Level Conference on the Effective Implementation of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 held on 14.12.2019 in Supreme Court of India, New Delhi, North Zone-1 Regional Conference held on Contemporary Judicial Developments and strengthening Justice through Law and Technology” on 24th and 25th September, 2022, “Constitution Day Celebrations and Conference on E-Governance in Judicial Domain at Delhi held on 26th and 27th November, 2022.,“two-day National Conference of “Digitization and Paperless Courts” held on 6th and 7th May, 2023, celebration of “Constitution Day” on 26.11.2023 and the 1st Regional Conference on Access to Legal Aid: Strengthening Acess to Justice in the Global South” held on 27th and 28th November, 2023 at New Delhi, North Zone-I Regional Conference on “Contemporary Judicial Developments and Strengthening Justice through Law & Technology” held on 30th September & 1st October, 2023 at Nainital, North Zone-II Regional Conference on “Contemporary Judicial Developments and Strengthening Justice through Law and Technology” at Lucknow on 16th and 17th March, 2024, Conference on Technology in the Supreme Court of India, New Delhi on 13.04.2024 and 14.04.2024 and Conference on Re-engineering Judicial Process through Information & Communication Technology (ICT) on 9th and 10th March, 2024 at National Judicial Academy, Bhopal.
His Lordship was one of the Members out of three High Courts Judges, who participated in the International Learning Exchange Programme with focus on the “reform of Care and Protection services for children” held in Romania with effect from 13th to 17th May, 2019. His Lordship is the first Judge of this High Court to have participated in any such International Conference held abroad. His Lordship attended the “National Annual Stakeholders Consultation on Child Protection” held on 10th and 11th December, 2022 in the Supreme Court of India, New Delhi. Remained as Member of the Governing Council as well as Executive Council of the Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla w.e.f. 12.11.2016. Held the post of President of the H.P. Judicial Academy w.e.f. 18.11.2018 to 15.3.2020 and w.e.f. 1.3.2021 to 5.4.2023. Heading the Computer and e-Courts Committee of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh, the computerization in the High Court as well as Subordinate Courts has scaled new heights as now the Advocates/litigants apart from getting information about their cases can also access various other services i.e. applying online for certified copy, pay court fees online, access cause-list, e-file a case (ITR), apply only for e-Gate Pass etc. Further, under his Lordship’s guidance, peripheries have been developed for the day to day working of the High Court as well as Subordinate Courts. To name a few, Typing Test Software has been developed for conducting type test, D-space Repository Software has been developed to store scanned decided files, Display Boards for the current status of the cases taken up in the Courts, SMS and email facility for the Judicial Officers as well as advocates, implementation of e-Office Software in the Establishment Branch of the Registry, Vigilance Software for generation of reports qua institution, disposal and pendency of various categories of cases, Software for tracking the matters pending with other departments/Government etc. Remained as Executive Chairman of the H.P. State Legal Services Authority w.e.f. 13.3.2020 to 25.2.2021 and thereafter w.e.f. 18.9.2021 to 07.11.2021 and now again continuing as Executive Chairman of the H.P. State Legal Services Authority w.e.f. 29.3.2023. Has delivered a number of landmark judgments and till date 69,805 number of cases have been disposed of by his Lordship. Remained as Acting Chief Justice w.e.f. 20.04.2023 to 29.05.2023 and again w.e.f. 19.10.2024.
Assets & Liabilities
His Lordship remained as Chairperson of the Juvenile Justice Committee, High Court of Himachal Pradesh w.e.f. 05.05.2014 to 07.08.2023 and during this period, his Lordship has done tremendous work with keen interest for the welfare and interest of the children of Bal/Balika Ashrams, Himachal, Hospital For Mental Health and Rehab Shimla and old age homes of Himachal Pradesh. Participated in various National and International Conferences including the International Judicial Conference on the theme – “Judiciary and the Changing World” held w.e.f. 21.2.2020 to 23.2.2020 in the Supreme Court of India, New Delhi, one Day’s National Level Conference on the Effective Implementation of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 held on 14.12.2019 in Supreme Court of India, New Delhi, North Zone-1 Regional Conference held on Contemporary Judicial Developments and strengthening Justice through Law and Technology” on 24th and 25th September, 2022, “Constitution Day Celebrations and Conference on E-Governance in Judicial Domain at Delhi held on 26th and 27th November, 2022.,“two-day National Conference of “Digitization and Paperless Courts” held on 6th and 7th May, 2023, celebration of “Constitution Day” on 26.11.2023 and the 1st Regional Conference on Access to Legal Aid: Strengthening Acess to Justice in the Global South” held on 27th and 28th November, 2023 at New Delhi, North Zone-I Regional Conference on “Contemporary Judicial Developments and Strengthening Justice through Law & Technology” held on 30th September & 1st October, 2023 at Nainital, North Zone-II Regional Conference on “Contemporary Judicial Developments and Strengthening Justice through Law and Technology” at Lucknow on 16th and 17th March, 2024, Conference on Technology in the Supreme Court of India, New Delhi on 13.04.2024 and 14.04.2024 and Conference on Re-engineering Judicial Process through Information & Communication Technology (ICT) on 9th and 10th March, 2024 at National Judicial Academy, Bhopal.
His Lordship was one of the Members out of three High Courts Judges, who participated in the International Learning Exchange Programme with focus on the “reform of Care and Protection services for children” held in Romania with effect from 13th to 17th May, 2019. His Lordship is the first Judge of this High Court to have participated in any such International Conference held abroad. His Lordship attended the “National Annual Stakeholders Consultation on Child Protection” held on 10th and 11th December, 2022 in the Supreme Court of India, New Delhi. Remained as Member of the Governing Council as well as Executive Council of the Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla w.e.f. 12.11.2016. Held the post of President of the H.P. Judicial Academy w.e.f. 18.11.2018 to 15.3.2020 and w.e.f. 1.3.2021 to 5.4.2023. Heading the Computer and e-Courts Committee of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh, the computerization in the High Court as well as Subordinate Courts has scaled new heights as now the Advocates/litigants apart from getting information about their cases can also access various other services i.e. applying online for certified copy, pay court fees online, access cause-list, e-file a case (ITR), apply only for e-Gate Pass etc. Further, under his Lordship’s guidance, peripheries have been developed for the day to day working of the High Court as well as Subordinate Courts. To name a few, Typing Test Software has been developed for conducting type test, D-space Repository Software has been developed to store scanned decided files, Display Boards for the current status of the cases taken up in the Courts, SMS and email facility for the Judicial Officers as well as advocates, implementation of e-Office Software in the Establishment Branch of the Registry, Vigilance Software for generation of reports qua institution, disposal and pendency of various categories of cases, Software for tracking the matters pending with other departments/Government etc. Remained as Executive Chairman of the H.P. State Legal Services Authority w.e.f. 13.3.2020 to 25.2.2021 and thereafter w.e.f. 18.9.2021 to 07.11.2021 and now again continuing as Executive Chairman of the H.P. State Legal Services Authority w.e.f. 29.3.2023. Has delivered a number of landmark judgments and till date 69,805 number of cases have been disposed of by his Lordship. Remained as Acting Chief Justice w.e.f. 20.04.2023 to 29.05.2023 and again w.e.f. 19.10.2024.
Assets & Liabilities
Justice Vivek Singh Thakur
Born on 16.04.1966 at Bilaspur, (H.P.) in a family of two eminent educationists hailing from village- Lanjata, Tehsil- Ghumarwin, District Bilaspur, Thakur Narayan Singh Swami (father), who later on also represented Ghumarwin constituency (Bilaspur) as an M.L.A. in H.P. Legislative Assembly and Smt. Gurdevi Thakur (mother), who retired as Principal from Senior Secondary School. Completed the schooling from Bilaspur and also B.Sc. from the Government Degree College, Bilaspur. Thereafter, did LL.B. and BJMC from H.P. University. Stood first in LL.B. Also completed LL.M. from Kurukshetra University with topic for dissertation entitled “Independence of Judiciary in India: A study with special reference to the Appointment and Transfer of Judges.” During studies besides a scholarship holder from H.P. Board of School Education, also remained actively associated in extra-curricular activities like N.S.S., N.C.C. (A and B certificate holder), cultural activities, debate and declamation contests, Drama, Dance and Mime competitions etc. and also got many prizes in the events organised from time to time in such activities. Besides participation in many Radio Talks also remained a Casual Announcer in A.I.R., Shimla. Enrolled as an Advocate in the year, 1990 with H.P. Bar Council and started practice in Law before various Legal fora including H.P. High Court, in Revenue, Civil, Criminal, Constitutional, Service matters, Arbitration and Taxation Laws. Also acted as a Legal Advisor to various organisations. Served the state of H.P. as Assistant Advocate General (1998-2003), Additional Advocate General (2008-2013) and Senior Panel Counsel to the Union of India till elevation as the Judge of H.P. High Court. Besides deep involvement in social work including blood donation and eradication of social evils and taboos, also remained actively associated in organising various national level seminars on the important Legal topics of vast importance which were graced by the presence of eminent jurists of the country including Hon'ble the Chief Justices and Judges of Hon'ble Supreme Court and High Courts. Took oath as the Judge of this Court on 12th April, 2016 (Forenoon).
Assets & Liabilities
Justice Ajay Mohan Goel
Born at Chandigarh on 10th January, 1969. His initial schooling was from St. Edwards School, Shimla. Did his BA (English Hons.) from Government College, Sanjauli, Shimla in the year 1989 and L.L.B from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla in the year 1992. Was enrolled as Lawyer with the Bar Council of Himachal Pradesh on 28th September, 1992 and commenced practice under the aegis of Lala Chhabil Dass, the then Advocate General of the State of Himachal Pradesh. Joined the Chamber of his father and started independent practice from the year 1995 onwards and continued to do so till his elevation. Mainly practiced in the High Court of Himachal Pradesh and H.P. Administrative Tribunal though in the initial years of practice, also practiced in the Subordinate Courts and Consumer Courts. Was appointed as Amicus Curiae in various important matters by the High Court and also appeared in many Public Interest Litigations pertaining to Environment, Road infrastructure, Hydel Projects and Ban on plastic etc. Practiced in all branches of law. Was on the panel of Lawyers representing the High Court of H.P. in various litigations pertaining to the High Court. Was legal advisor to the Himachal Pradesh State Co operative Bank and Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited. Also remained standing counsel for the Municipal Corporation, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh Housing Board and Himachal Pradesh State Forest Corporation Ltd. Represented various Public and Private companies, Co operative societies, Educational Institutions, Boards and Corporations. Was elevated as Judge of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh and assumed office as such on 12 April, 2016 forenoon.
Assets & Liabilities
Justice Sandeep Sharma
Born on 20th July, 1968 at Shimla. Belongs to a very respectable and religious family. Originally belongs to village Bijapur, Tehsil Amb, District Una. Did his schooling from DAV School, Sanjouli and Senior Secondary School, Lalpani, Shimla, graduated from Government Degree College, Shimla and got his Law Degree in the First Class from Himachal Pradesh University in the year 1993. Enrolled as an Advocate with the Bar Council of Himachal Pradesh in the year 1993 and joined illustrious chamber of Late Shri P.A. Sharma, Senior Advocate and practiced under his good guidance up to 1996. Thereafter started practice independently in the High Court of Himachal Pradesh and practiced in all branches of law. Prior to elevation, handled all types of cases relating to Original Side, Appellate Side, Civil, Criminal, Constitutional, Company, Taxation, Corporate and Insurance matters and also remained the Standing Counsel of CBI, BSNL. Central Excise, UGC, RPFC and Armed forces etc. Appointed as Assistant Solicitor General of India in the year 2004, at the very young age of 36 years, and remained, as such, till 2014. Designated as Senior Advocate in the month of June, 2014. Elevated as Additional Judge of High Court of Himachal Pradesh on 12th April, 2016 and confirmed as permanent Judge on 8th January 2018.
Assets & Liabilities
Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua
Born on 25th May, 1969 in Nahan, District Sirmour, H.P. Graduated from Government Degree College, Nalagarh, District Solan, H.P. in 1988. Was meritoriously placed in Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla. Obtained L.L.B. Degree from Himachal Pradesh University in 1991 with three Gold Medals and secured first class position in every semester. Was awarded merit scholarships and certificates throughout L.L.B. Represented Himachal Pradesh University in inter-University Moot Court Competition in 1989 and was awarded Best Female Student Advocate Certificate and Merit Certificate in the event.
Enrolled as an Advocate in Bar Council of Himachal Pradesh in December, 1991 and started practicing independently since then. Was designated as Senior Advocate in July, 2015. Practiced in Shimla, primarily in High Court of Himachal Pradesh. Have also been appearing before H.P. State Administrative Tribunal, Shimla. During initial years of practice, have also appeared before the Courts of Divisional Commissioner, Shimla, Financial Commissioner (Revenue), Shimla and H.P. State Consumers Disputes Redressal Commissioner, Shimla. Have mostly dealt with Civil, Constitutional, Environmental and Service matters. Elevated as an Additional Judge of High Court of Himachal Pradesh on 30th May, 2019. Assumed the charge as Judge of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh on 28th July 2020.
Assets & Liabilities
Justice Satyen Vaidya
Born on 22.12.1963 at Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. Did his schooling from Lady Irwin School Shimla and Government Boys Senior Secondary School Lalpani Shimla. Graduated from Government Degree College for boys Shimla and obtained degree of Law from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla. Enrolled as an Advocate with Bar Council of Himachal Pradesh in 1986. Practised in District Courts and High Court in all Branches of Law. Remained Legal Advisor-cum-Standing Counsel for Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board, Himachal Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation, Municipal Corporation Shimla and various other Boards, Corporations and Societies. Conducted arbitrations for Government of Himachal Pradesh as well as Private Parties. Remained trained Mediator and acted as such in large number of cases. Remained actively associated with various Legal Aid Programmes. Delivered various guests lectures at Himachal Pradesh Judicial Academy and Himachal Institute of Public Administration. Appointed as amicus curiae by the High Court of Himachal Pradesh in many cases. Designated as Senior Advocate in 2015. Elevated as an Additional Judge of Hon’ble High Court of Himachal Pradesh and assumed the office on 26.06.2021.
Assets & Liabilities
Justice Sushil Kukreja
Born on 14th April, 1967. Did initial schooling from Shimla and obtained degree in B.Sc (Medical) from Government Degree College, Sanjauli, Shimla in the year 1986. Obtained Degree in Law (LLB) from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla in the year 1989. Thereafter, obtained Post Graduate Diploma in Personal Management & Labour Welfare from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla in the year 1990. After that, commenced practice mainly in the High Court of Himachal Pradesh. Though also practiced in District Courts & District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Shimla. Stood first in the Himachal Pradesh Higher Judicial Services Examination conducted in the year 2004 & got first posting as Additional District & Sessions Judge, Sirmaur at Nahan. Thereafter, on transfer assumed the charge as Additional District & Sessions Judge, Kangra at Dharamshala. Appointed as District & Sessions Judge, Kinnaur at Rampur Bushahr in May, 2006. Thereafter, on transfer assumed the charge as District & Sessions Judge, Kullu in December, 2006. After that, got placed as President, District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Mandi, Kullu and Lahaul & Spiti in the year 2008. On transfer assumed the charge as District & Sessions Judge, Bilaspur w.e.f. October, 2010 till May, 2013. Appointed as Registrar (Rules) in the Registry of Hon'ble High Court of Himachal Pradesh in the year 2013. On transfer assumed the charge as Presiding Officer, H.P. Industrial Tribunal-cum-Labour Court, Shimla in July, 2015. Appointed as Registrar Lokayukta, Himachal Pradesh in December, 2018. Thereafter, posted as District & Sessions Judge Shimla w.e.f. 5th August, 2021, till 15th August, 2022. Obtained Degree of LL.M. from the Directorate of Distance Education, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, during service. Elevated as a permanent Judge of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh and assumed office as such on 16th August, 2022.
Assets & Liabilities
Justice Virender Singh
Born on 14th November, 1966 at Solan, District Solan, H.P. Obtained education from Shimla, Kinnaur, Nahan, Una and Indore. Enrolled as an Advocate with Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana in September, 1991 and started practice in District Courts Yamunanagar at Jagadhari in 1992. Was appointed in Himachal Pradesh Higher Judicial Services as an Additional District & Sessions Judge in the year 2006 and joined as such at Una. Became District & Sessions Judge on 22nd April, 2008. Thereafter, remained posted as such at Chamba, Una, Kullu, Mandi, Dharamshala and Shimla. During the service, also remained posted as Registrar (Inspection) in the High Court as well as Member Secretary, State Legal Services Authority, Shimla. Thereafter, remained posted as Registrar General in the High Court of Himachal Pradesh with effect from 21st December, 2018 till assuming the charge as Judge of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh on 16th August, 2022 (Forenoon).
Assets & Liabilities
Justice Ranjan Sharma
Profile Awaited
Justice Bipin Chander Negi
Born at Dharamshala on 20th July, 1968. Originally belongs to VPO Shong, Tehsil Sangala, District Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh. His initial schooling was from St. Edwards School, Shimla and thereafter from Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram, New Delhi. Did his B.A. (Economics Honours) from Sri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University, Delhi. Obtained L.L.B. Degree from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla.
Was enrolled as Lawyer with the Bar Council of Himachal Pradesh in April, 1994 and commenced practice in the Hon’ble High Court of Himachal Pradesh, State Administrative Tribunal, National Green Tribunal and Trial Courts (Civil, Criminal, Tax, Revenue, Consumer and Labour). Worked with former Advocate General, State of Himachal Pradesh w.e.f. 1998 to 2003. Remained Standing Counsel for Medical Council of India, Himachal Pradesh University, Himachal Pradesh Wakf Board, APG Shimla University and H.P. High Court. Also remained President, Himachal Pradesh High Court Bar Association from 2013 to 2014. Was designated as Senior Advocate in the year 2015. Practiced in all branches of law. Elevated as Judge of High Court of Himachal Pradesh and assumed office as such on 31st July, 2023 (Forenoon).
Assets & Liabilities
Justice Rakesh Kainthla
Born on 23rd May, 1968 at Shimla. Passed Matriculation Examination from D.A.V. School, Lakkar Bazaar, Shimla in 1984. Graduated from Government Degree College, Sanjauli, Shimla in 1988. Passed LL.B. from Department of Law, H.P. University, Shimla in 1991. Enrolled as an Advocate with Bar Council of Himachal Pradesh in 1991. Practiced in the High Court of Himachal Pradesh, District Courts, H.P. Administrative Tribunal and other Courts at Shimla. Stood first in Himachal Judicial Service Examination conducted in 1995 and joined as Sub Judge on 7th August, 1995. Served as Sub Judge, Rohru, Rajgarh, Nalagarh and Theog. Promoted as Civil Judge (Senior Division) on 20th March, 2004 and served at Jawali, Hamirpur and Sirmaur at Nahan. Stood first in Limited Competitive Examination for Judicial Officers and appointed as Additional District & Sessions Judge, Mandi from October, 2010 to June, 2012. Served as President, District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Kangra at Dharamshala, Director, Himachal Pradesh Judicial Academy, District & Sessions Judge (Leave/Training Reserve) in the High Court of H.P. Shimla and District & Sessions Judge, Hamirpur and Mandi.
Was elevated as Judge of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh and assumed office as such on 31st July, 2023 forenoon.
Assets & Liabilities