Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann has convened an emergency Cabinet meeting following the Centre's decision to appoint Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra as Chief Justice without awaiting the state's response.
- The Centre notified Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra's appointment without waiting for Punjab's official comments.
- CM Bhagwant Mann has called an emergency Cabinet meeting to deliberate on the legal implications.
- The Punjab government views this move as an assault on the federal structure.
Chandigarh: A significant constitutional standoff has emerged in Punjab following the Union Government's decision to appoint Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra as the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. In a swift response to what is being termed a unilateral move, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has summoned an emergency meeting of the Punjab Cabinet to discuss the implications of this appointment.
The controversy stems from the Centre's decision to issue the notification on Saturday, nearly a month after the Supreme Court Collegium recommended the elevation. While the Union Law Ministry had previously sought comments from the Punjab government, the appointment was processed and announced before the state could communicate its views, leading to allegations of procedural bypassing.
An Attack on Federalism
Addressing a press conference in Jalandhar, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema expressed strong condemnation of the Centre's actions. He accused the BJP-led central government of acting against the interests of Punjab and stated that the move constitutes a direct attack on the state's constitutional rights and the nation's federal structure.
The bypass of state consultation in judicial appointments sets a concerning precedent for center-state relations in a federal democracy.
BozokMedia analysis shows that this friction highlights the growing tension between the AAP-led state government and the BJP-led Centre. The deliberation in the upcoming Cabinet meeting is expected to focus on legal strategies and potential constitutional challenges to the appointment process.
Historical Background
Justice Mishra, who was transferred from the Allahabad High Court to the Punjab and Haryana High Court in July 2025, has been serving as the Acting Chief Justice since June this year. His permanent appointment follows the elevation of the former Chief Justice, Sheel Nagu, to the Supreme Court of India.
| Feature | Centre's Action | State's Position |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Immediate Notification | Pending Consultation |
| Stance | Followed Collegium Recommendation | Claims violation of Federalism |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the Punjab government protesting?
The state argues that the Centre bypassed the mandatory consultative process by not waiting for the state's input on the Collegium's recommendation.
2. Who is the new Chief Justice?
Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra, who was previously serving as the Acting Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
