Judicial Officer Moves Supreme Court Against SC Collegium Proposing Juniors' Elevation To Himachal Pradesh High Court

A judicial officer from Himachal Pradesh has filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court challenging the recent recommendation of the Supreme Court Collegium for the appointment of judges to the Himachal Pradesh High Court.

The petition has been filed raising the grievance that junior officers have been recommended for elevation as HP High Court Judges.

Mentioning the matter for urgent hearing, a counsel submitted before the Chief Justice of India, "This pertains to appointment of judges to Himachal Pradesh HC. My right of consideration was violated. Collegium has recommended names of officers junior to me to the Union Government for elevation. I am seeking urgent listing."

CJI Surya Kant agreed to list the matter.

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 cleared for elevation to the High Court.

In 2024, two District Judges serving in Himachal Pradesh had filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court contending that the Himachal Pradesh High Court collegium had ignored their merit and seniority while recommending names for elevation to the High Court. In September 2024, the Supreme Court had allowed their petition, requesting the HC CJ to reconsider their names.

Case : ARVIND MALHOTRA v. HIGH COURT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH | Diary no. 36875/2026