In exercise of the powers conferred by Art. 217(1) of the Constitution, the President appointed Justice Sheel Nagu, Judge of the High Court of Madhya Pradesh, as the 66th Chief Justice of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office. The Ministry of Law and Justice notified the appointment on 04-07-2024.
In December 2023, Justice Sheel Nagu’s name was recommended as the next Chief Justice of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana. A vacancy in the office of the Chief Justice of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana had arisen consequent upon the retirement of Justice Ravi Shanker Jha.
Before his elevation as a Judge of the High Court, Justice Sheel Nagu practised at the High Court of Madhya Pradesh in Constitutional, service, labour and criminal cases. During his tenure of over 12 years as a Judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, Justice Nagu has authored more than 499 reported judgments and has acquired extensive experience in dispensing justice at the High Court.
The Collegium noted that Justice Nagu is the seniormost puisne Judge in his parent High Court and pointed out that he is a competent Judge and possesses a high level of integrity and conduct required of a person holding high judicial office.
