Himachal Pradesh judicial officer moves Supreme Court against Collegium's High Court judge recommendations

A judicial officer from Himachal Pradesh has approached the Supreme Court challenging the Collegium's recent recommendation for elevation of three judges to the Himachal Pradesh High Court, alleging that officers junior to him have been recommended for appointment.

The petition has been filed by Arvind Malhotra, Principal Judge, Family Court, Dharamshala.

On June 3, the Supreme Court Collegium had recommended the names of judicial officers Chirag Bhanu Singh, Bhupesh Sharma and Yogesh Jaswal for elevation to the Himachal Pradesh High Court.

When the matter was mentioned before Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice V Mohana for urgent listing, counsel submitted that the petitioner's right of consideration had been violated, as the Collegium had forwarded names of junior officers to the Central government for elevation. CJI Surya Kant agreed to list the matter.

This is not the first such challenge. In 2024, two district judges posted in Himachal Pradesh had similarly moved the Supreme Court, contending that their merit and seniority had been overlooked by the High Court Collegium while recommending names for elevation. The Supreme Court had allowed that petition in September 2024, requesting the Chief Justice of the High Court to reconsider their names.