Justice Rajiv Shakdher Sworn in as Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court

Justice Rajiv Shakdher was sworn in as the new Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla at Raj Bhavan. Previously a senior judge at the Delhi High Court, Shakdher replaces Chief Justice MS Ramachandra Rao. He assured to serve justice despite his short tenure.

On Tuesday, Justice Rajiv Shakdher took the oath of office as the new Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. The ceremony was presided over by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla at Raj Bhavan. Justice Shakdher, who was previously a senior judge at the Delhi High Court, was appointed upon the recommendation of the Supreme Court Collegium.

Justice Shakdher succeeds Chief Justice MS Ramachandra Rao, who has moved on to become the Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court. Rao's tenure in Himachal began in May 2023. The newly appointed Chief Justice, Rajiv Shakdher, will retire on October 18, giving him less than a month in office. The swearing-in ceremony saw the absence of the Chief Minister due to health issues but was attended by various ministers and high-ranking officials.

In his address, Justice Shakdher emphasized the significance of his role and assured the people of Himachal Pradesh that he would strive to deliver justice despite the brevity of his tenure. "This is a very important post, you know, first of all I want to assure the people of Himachal that I will try my best for the justice to people state and although my period is short, it does not mean that we will not do what needs to be done despite the short tenure," he stated.

(With inputs from agencies.)