The Punjab and Haryana High Court at Chandigarh announced a comprehensive judicial reshuffle on April 23, 2026, transferring and posting 38 District & Sessions Judges and Additional District & Sessions Judges across Punjab's districts. This significant administrative order, issued by the Chief Justice and Judges, coincides with new court establishments, retirements, and specialized judicial infrastructure development.
Major District & Sessions Judge realignments
Several key postings mark leadership changes across Punjab districts. Sh. Nirbhow Singh Gill moves from Jalandhar to Fatehgarh Sahib, while Sh. Jatinder Pal Singh Khurmi transfers from Pathankot to Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar. Sh. Arun Gupta takes charge as the first District & Sessions Judge in the newly-created Malerkotla Sessions Division. Ms. Priya Sood assumes position in Jalandhar, and Sh. Rajnish Garg returns from deputation to lead Pathankot judiciary.
Specialized Tribunal & Appellate leadership
Ms. Surinder Pal Kaur from Bathinda assumes the critical role of Presiding Officer for Punjab's State Transport Appellate Tribunal and Food Safety Appellate Tribunal in Chandigarh. Ms. Jaswinder Sheemar gets elevated to District & Sessions Judge in Sri Muktsar Sahib, replacing retiring Sh. Raj Kumar effective May 1, 2026.
New NRI Special Courts established
The order establishes multiple Special NRI Courts to handle Non-Resident Indian cases:
Sh. Harish Anand posted to SBS Nagar NRI Court
Sh. Jaswinder Singh-I to Jalandhar NRI Court
Ms. Rashmi Kapila to Kapurthala NRI Court
Dr. Mandeep Mittal to Hoshiarpur NRI Court
Fast Track Courts for Serious Offences
Specialized Fast Track Courts receive new leadership for handling rape, POCSO, NDPS, and NIA cases. Sh. Hardip Singh posted to SAS Nagar's Exclusive Special Court for NIA Act cases. Multiple transfers strengthen Fast Track Special Courts dealing with rape & POCSO offences across districts including Rupnagar, Fazilka, and Patiala.
Family Court realignments
Family Court judges see significant postings:
Sh. Sanjay Agnihotri becomes Principal Judge, Family Court, Faridkot
Sh. Amar Jeet Singh and Ms. Ravi Inder Kaur Sandhu continue in Moga with role changes
Multiple Additional Principal Judge positions filled across Ludhiana, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar
Implementation Timeline & Administrative Directives
Most officers must relinquish charge immediately, while specific postings (Sr. No. 6, 12, 15, 25, 27, 28, 35) take effect from May 1, 2026. District Sessions Judges receive strict instructions to transfer MP/MLA cases to competent courts before next hearing dates, ensuring judicial continuity.
Wider administrative circulation
The Registrar General circulated copies to Punjab Governor, Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, Home & Justice Department, and all District Sessions Judges. The order also reaches Chandigarh Judicial Academy, State Legal Services Authority, and Punjab Accountant General.
This extensive judicial realignment strengthens Punjab's district judiciary infrastructure, establishes specialized NRI courts, and ensures continuity amidst retirements and new Sessions Division creation in Malerkotla.