The Ministry of Law and Justice, Department of Justice (Appointments Division), has notified the appointment of Chirag Bhanu Singh as a Judge of the Himachal Pradesh High Court and Bhupesh Sharma and Yogesh Jaswal as Additional Judges of the Himachal Pradesh High Court.
The appointments were notified on 27 August 2026 by the Government of India. The notification states that the appointments have been made by the President in exercise of the powers conferred under Article 217(1)1 and Article 2242 of the Constitution of India.
While Chirag Bhanu Singh’s appointment takes effect from the date he assumes charge, Bhupesh Sharma and Yogesh Jaswal have been appointed as Additional Judges for a period of two years, also with effect from the respective dates on which they assume charge.
Justice Chirag Bhanu Singh’s earlier elevation proposal
Chirag Bhanu Singh had first been recommended for appointment as a Judge of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in December 2022, along with Arvind Malhotra, by the Himachal Pradesh High Court Collegium.
The Supreme Court Collegium considered their names in July 2023 but deferred the proposal. In January 2024, it directed that the proposal be reconsidered by the High Court Collegium.
The matter subsequently reached the Supreme Court. On 6 September 2024, the Supreme Court in Chirag Bhanu Singh v. High Court of H.P., (2024) 9 SCC 41, directed that the proposal be reconsidered by the High Court Collegium as a whole, rather than by the Chief Justice alone.
The Supreme Court Collegium eventually approved Chirag Bhanu Singh’s name, along with Bhupesh Sharma and Yogesh Jaswal, for appointment to the Himachal Pradesh High Court on 2 June 2026. The Union Government has now formally notified their appointments on 27 August 2026.
Also Read: SC Collegium recommends elevating 7 Advocates & 3 Judicial Officers as HC Judges | SCC Times
1. Appointment of a Judge of a High Court
2. Appointment of additional and acting Judges
