On April 12, 2025, the Central Government officially notified the appointment of Justice Arun Palli as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal made the announcement through a post on social media platform 'X'.
“In exercise of the power conferred by the Constitution of India, the Hon’ble President of India, after consultation with the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Arun Palli, Judge, High Court of Punjab and Haryana, as Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office. I convey my best wishes to him.”
This appointment came shortly after the Supreme Court Collegium recommended Justice Palli for the position. He was serving as a judge at the High Court of Punjab & Haryana before this elevation.
Professional Background
Justice Arun Palli has had a distinguished legal career. He was designated as a Senior Advocate on April 26, 2007. Throughout his career, he played significant roles in various complex legal matters.
He served as Amicus Curiae in several important and sensitive cases in the High Court. His legal practice involved diverse subjects and intricate legal points argued before both Division Benches and Full Benches.
Justice Palli also appeared before the Supreme Court of India, the Delhi High Court, and handled several crucial cases in the Himachal Pradesh High Court.
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"Justice Arun Palli was elevated to the Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on December 28, 2013."
Apart from his judicial duties, Justice Palli took on significant administrative and social legal responsibilities. On May 31, 2023, he was appointed as the Executive Chairman of the Haryana State Legal Services Authority (HSLSA).
Later, on October 31, 2023, he was nominated as a Member of the Governing Body of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) for a two-year term.
These roles reflect his dedication towards strengthening access to justice, legal aid systems, and legal awareness, especially for marginalized sections of society.
"The Hon’ble President of India, after consultation with Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Arun Palli, Judge, High Court of Punjab and Haryana as Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh."
