From Bar to Bench: Advocates Bhardwaj and Verma Nominated for Himachal HC Judgeship
(By: Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
New Delhi: In a significant development aimed at strengthening the judicial infrastructure of Himachal Pradesh, the Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the appointment of two eminent advocates — Mr. Jaya Lal Bhardwaj and Mr. Romesh Verma — as Judges of the Himachal Pradesh High Court.
The recommendation comes at a crucial time when the High Court is functioning with only 11 judges against its sanctioned strength of 17, causing a backlog of cases and increasing the burden on the existing bench.
The decision was taken by the Supreme Court’s Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India, which examined the professional competence, integrity, and overall suitability of the candidates before forwarding their names to the Union Government for approval. Once cleared by the Centre and notified by the President, the two advocates will take oath as High Court judges.
Legal experts have welcomed the move, stating that it will help improve the pace of justice delivery in Himachal Pradesh. The appointment of new judges is expected to bring down the pendency of cases and enhance the overall efficiency of the court.
The Himachal Pradesh High Court, headquartered in Shimla, plays a crucial role in adjudicating matters relating to the state’s legal, administrative, and constitutional issues. The fresh appointments are expected to provide much-needed relief to litigants awaiting speedy justice.
With these recommendations, the Supreme Court has reiterated its commitment to filling judicial vacancies in High Courts across the country and addressing the systemic delays in the justice delivery system.
