In a solemn ceremony conducted on Wednesday, Justice Arun Palli officially took oath as the Chief Justice of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court. The oath was administered by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, marking the beginning of Justice Palli's tenure in one of the country’s significant judicial positions.
This appointment comes in the wake of the retirement of former Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan on April 9, 2025. After his retirement, Justice Sanjeev Kumar had been functioning as the Acting Chief Justice of the High Court.
The elevation of Justice Palli was not abrupt but a result of a timely and structured process. The Supreme Court Collegium had recommended his name just before Justice Rabstan's retirement, and the Central Government gave its approval on April 12, 2025, formally confirming his appointment as Chief Justice.
Justice Arun Palli brings with him a wealth of experience and a respected legacy. Prior to this new responsibility, he served as a judge at the Punjab and Haryana High Court. His legal roots trace back to a family of repute—his father, Prem Kishan Palli, was a Senior Advocate who later became a judge at the Himachal Pradesh High Court, retiring in the year 1998.
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Born on September 18, 1964, Justice Palli pursued his academic journey in the field of commerce and later went on to complete his law degree from Panjab University in 1988. Right from the start of his legal career, he was associated with the Punjab and Haryana High Court, building a strong foundation through years of legal practice.
Between 2004 and 2007, Justice Palli served as the Additional Advocate General for the State of Punjab. His contributions and competence in legal matters earned him the designation of Senior Advocate in 2007, further highlighting his standing in the legal fraternity.
Justice Arun Palli was elevated to the bench as a judge on December 28, 2013. During his judicial career, he also held several crucial administrative roles. Since May 2023, he has been serving as the Executive Chairman of the Haryana State Legal Services Authority, a body responsible for ensuring access to justice for all.
In another key development, Justice Palli was appointed as a member of the Governing Body of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in October 2023. This two-year term reflects his continued involvement in improving legal services and policy-making at the national level.
"The oath of office was administered by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, in accordance with the official appointment approved by the Central Government on April 12, 2025."
"The Supreme Court Collegium had recommended Justice Arun Palli for the position just before Justice Tashi Rabstan's retirement, ensuring a smooth transition of responsibilities."
Justice Arun Palli's elevation to Chief Justice is seen as a significant step, especially given his extensive legal background, administrative expertise, and long-standing service in the judiciary. His journey from a practicing lawyer to one of the top judicial positions in the country showcases a career marked by dedication, knowledge, and leadership.
