Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati Sworn In as Chief Justice of J&K and Ladakh High Court
Srinagar, September 9, 2026: Justice Dr. Pushpendra Singh Bhati was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh on Wednesday, marking the beginning of his tenure at the region’s highest judicial institution.
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena administered the oath of office to Justice Bhati at the Shalimar Auditorium of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Kashmir. Saxena is currently also discharging the functions of the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor during the absence of Manoj Sinha.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah, Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, cabinet ministers, judges of the High Court, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, among other senior officials.
President’s Warrant Read Before Oath
During the ceremony, the Registrar General of the High Court read out the warrant of appointment issued by the President of India.
Following the reading of the warrant, Justice Bhati took the oath of office and signed the oath roll papers along with the Lieutenant Governor. The appointment warrant was subsequently handed over to the new Chief Justice.
The ceremony included the rendition of the national song and the National Anthem.
Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati Takes Over as Chief Justice
Justice Bhati succeeds Justice Sanjeev Kumar, who had been serving as the Acting Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh since June 2, 2026.
The Supreme Court Collegium had recommended Justice Bhati for the post on August 31, 2026. The Centre subsequently cleared his appointment, and the President appointed him as Chief Justice on September 5.
Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati’s Judicial Career
Before taking charge as Chief Justice of the J&K and Ladakh High Court, Justice Bhati was serving as a judge of the Rajasthan High Court.
He was elevated to the Rajasthan High Court Bench on November 16, 2016, after practising as a lawyer for nearly 25 years. During his legal career, he handled matters involving service law, public interest litigation, elections, revenue, mining, education, criminal law and other areas.
He also served as an Additional Advocate General for Rajasthan and represented several government departments and institutions during his legal career.
New Chief Justice Takes Charge at Important Time
Justice Bhati assumes charge at a significant time for the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, which deals with important constitutional, civil, criminal and administrative matters concerning both Union Territories.
His appointment follows the recent process of filling Chief Justice vacancies across several High Courts. The Supreme Court Collegium had recommended Justice Bhati along with candidates for other High Courts during its August 31 meeting. (
Key Highlights
- Justice Dr Pushpendra Singh Bhati sworn in as Chief Justice
- Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh
- Oath administered by LG Vinai Kumar Saxena
- Ceremony held at SKUAST Kashmir
- Justice Bhati previously served in the Rajasthan High Court
- He succeeds Justice Sanjeev Kumar, who was Acting Chief Justice
- Appointment follows the Supreme Court Collegium’s recommendation
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh?
Justice Dr Pushpendra Singh Bhati is the new Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Who administered the oath to Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati?
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena administered the oath of office.
Where was the swearing-in ceremony held?
The ceremony was held at the Shalimar Auditorium of SKUAST, Kashmir.
Who did Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati succeed?
He succeeded Justice Sanjeev Kumar, who had been serving as Acting Chief Justice.
Which High Court was Justice Bhati serving in previously?
Justice Bhati was serving as a judge of the Rajasthan High Court before his appointment as Chief Justice of J&K and Ladakh.
Tags
Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati, Pushpendra Singh Bhati Chief Justice, J&K High Court Chief Justice, Jammu Kashmir Ladakh High Court, Justice Bhati sworn in, J&K Chief Justice 2026