Minister Harpal Cheema Criticises Centre Over Punjab‑Haryana HC Chief Justice Appointment

Union Minister Harpal Cheema publicly described the recent appointment of the Punjab and Haryana High Court chief justice as a "sensitive constitutional matter" that required strict adherence to established procedures. He asserted that the process should have incorporated the views and consent of the governments of both Punjab and Haryana before a final decision was taken. Cheema further alleged that the central government proceeded with the appointment without adequately consulting the state authorities, thereby bypassing the constitutional norm of state participation. The minister characterised the Centre's action as an "attack" on the federal balance, claiming that the states' opinions were neither sought nor considered. His remarks have added to an ongoing debate about the role of state governments in high‑court judicial appointments, a subject that has attracted attention from legal experts and political observers alike.