||Black and White Digital News||

||Tejveer Singh April 06,2025 ||

Jammu : In a significant judicial development poised to shape the legal landscape of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, the Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the appointment of Justice Arun Palli, an esteemed judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, as the next Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

The recommendation was made during the Collegium’s meeting held on April 4, 2025, as per reliable media sources. This crucial decision comes just days ahead of the scheduled retirement of the incumbent Chief Justice, Justice Tashi Rabstan, who is set to attain superannuation on April 9, 2025.

An Illustrious Legal Journey: From Courtroom Advocate to Judicial Authority:

Born on September 18, 1964, Justice Arun Palli hails from a distinguished family deeply entrenched in the legal fraternity. His early academic pursuits led him to Panjab University, Chandigarh, from where he obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1988. Embarking on his legal career with the High Court of Punjab and Haryana, Justice Palli steadily carved a niche for himself as a formidable advocate and a keen legal mind.

He was appointed as the Additional Advocate General for Punjab on September 1, 2004, a position he held with distinction until March 2007. In recognition of his exceptional legal acumen, he was designated as a Senior Advocate on April 26, 2007. Over the years, he earned a reputation as an Amicus Curiae in numerous contentious matters and provided assistance in cases dealing with significant legal propositions, appearing before Division and Full Benches alike.

Justice Palli’s advocacy extended beyond regional boundaries as he argued several prominent cases before the Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, and the High Court of Himachal Pradesh, further cementing his stature within India’s legal fraternity.

His elevation to the Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court came on December 28, 2013. Since then, he has demonstrated judicial wisdom marked by fairness, legal precision, and commitment to justice.

Championing Legal Services and Access to Justice:

Apart from his judicial responsibilities, Justice Arun Palli has been at the forefront of legal service reforms. He has been serving as the Executive Chairman of the Haryana State Legal Services Authority (HSLSA) since May 31, 2023, working diligently to promote legal literacy, facilitate free legal aid, and ensure access to justice for marginalized sections of society.

His growing stature was further recognized when he was nominated as a member of the Governing Body of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) on October 31, 2023, a prestigious position he will hold for a two-year term. This role has placed him at the helm of national-level efforts to streamline legal aid systems and enhance the outreach of the judiciary.

Judicial Transition with Promise and Prestige:

The imminent transition in the Jammu & Kashmir High Court marks not just a routine judicial change but a symbolic passage of stewardship to a jurist whose career exemplifies deep-rooted legal knowledge and a commitment to public service. Justice Tashi Rabstan’s tenure will be remembered for maintaining judicial balance during transitional times, and the baton now passes to a successor with both gravitas and grassroots experience.

Justice Palli’s anticipated leadership is expected to bring renewed focus on judicial reforms, timely justice delivery, and a robust push for legal aid and awareness in a region that continues to navigate complex socio-political dynamics.

As the Jammu & Kashmir High Court enters this new chapter, all eyes now rest on Justice Arun Palli — a jurist whose journey from the bar to the bench is both inspiring and reassuring for the future of justice in the Union Territory.