Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati Sworn In As J&K, Ladakh High Court Chief Justice

Srinagar, Sep 9: Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati was sworn in on Wednesday as the Chief Justice of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, marking the beginning of his tenure at the Union Territory’s highest judicial institution.

The oath of office was administered by Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, who is presently also discharging the functions of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir.

The Central Government had notified Justice Bhati’s appointment as Chief Justice of the J&K and Ladakh High Court on September 5, following a recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium in August.

Justice Bhati was serving as a Judge of the Rajasthan High Court before his elevation. He had earlier practised at the Rajasthan High Court, Jodhpur, primarily in writ jurisdiction and handled matters relating to service laws, public interest litigation, elections, revenue, mining, education, Panchayati Raj, family, criminal and other areas.

He served as Additional Advocate General for Rajasthan during two separate periods and represented several government departments and institutions, including the Labour Department, Ayurved Department, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation.

Justice Bhati also represented the Reserve Bank of India, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur and several other bodies. He served as Standing Counsel for Indian Railways for 16 years.

He was elevated as a Judge of the Rajasthan High Court on November 16, 2016. (Agencies)