Justice Arun Palli was formally sworn in as the new Chief Justice of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court on Wednesday.
The oath of office was administered by Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha in a dignified ceremony held at the Convention Centre in Jammu.
The occasion drew a distinguished gathering, including Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, judges of the High Court, members of the subordinate judiciary, and other senior officials. Also in attendance was Justice GS Sandhawalia, Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court.
A significant presence of judges, both sitting and retired, from the Punjab and Haryana High Court—Justice Palli’s parent court—highlighted the respect he commands in the legal community. His family, friends, and many advocates who had worked alongside him also joined the event.
Recommendation Backed By Apex Court
Justice Palli’s elevation comes on the heels of a recommendation by the Supreme Court collegium earlier this month, underscoring the judiciary’s confidence in his legal acumen and leadership.
An Esteemed Judicial Journey
Since his appointment to the Bench on December 28, 2013, Justice Palli has been widely regarded for his sharp legal insight and deep understanding of complex areas of law. His work spans constitutional, civil, arbitration, and intellectual property rights matters, often noted for its clarity, structure, and sensitivity to legal and administrative balance.
His decisions are marked by their depth and consistency, earning him a reputation for being a judge of intellectual precision and strong constitutional values.
Leadership In Legal Services
In addition to his judicial work, Justice Palli has played a proactive role in enhancing access to justice. Since May 2023, he has served as the Executive Chairman of the Haryana State Legal Services Authority. In October 2023, he was also inducted into the Governing Body of the National Legal Services Authority, reflecting his commitment to legal outreach and institutional development.
Legacy Rooted In Law
Born on September 18, 1964, Justice Palli comes from a family with a strong legal tradition. His father, Justice (Retd) Prem Kishan Palli, was a judge of the Himachal Pradesh High Court.
After earning his law degree from Panjab University in 1988, Justice Palli built a strong legal career at the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He was designated as a Senior Advocate in 2007 and served as Additional Advocate-General for Punjab from 2004 to 2007.
His expertise also earned him appointments as amicus curiae in several high-profile constitutional cases.
Read More: Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, States High Court, International
