SHIMLA:   The state Governor, Shiv Pratap Shukla, administered the oath of office and secrecy to the three  newly appointed judges – Ranjan Sharma, Bipin Chander Negi, Rakesh Kainthla – of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh at Raj Bhawan today.

They were sworn-in as judges of the High court in the presence of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Chief Justice MS Ramachandra Rao, along with other dignitaries.

With the swearing-in of  three new judges, High Court of Himachal Pradesh has now  got a strength of  12 judges that will help expedite the clearing of high pendency of cases in the High court.  

Justice Ranjan Sharma, born on 21st August 1968 in Dharamshala, District Kangra. He has a remarkable legal journey, having received a gold medal in LL.B from Rohtak University and being designated as a Senior Advocate in March 2019. His extensive experience spans various fields of law, and he has served twice as Additional Advocate General.

Justice Bipin Chander Negi, hails from district Kinnaur was born in Dharamshala in Kangra district. His educational background includes a B.A Economics (Honours) from Sri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University, and L.L.B. from H.P University, Shimla. Designated as a Senior Advocate in 2015, he is widely experienced in diverse legal fields.

Justice Rakesh Kainthla, born on 23rd May 1968 in Shimla, has had a brilliant legal career. He stood first in the Himachal Judicial Service Examination in 1995 and again in the Limited Competitive Examination of Judicial Officers in 2010. Before his elevation to the position of Judge of H.P. High Court, he served as District and Sessions Judge in Mandi.

The Chief Secretary, Prabodh Saxena, conducted the oath ceremony, reading out the warrant of appointment issued by the President of India.

The ceremony witnessed a gathering of prominent figures, including Lady Governor Janki Shukla, Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, ministers, officials, and distinguished personalities from various fields.