Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra was sworn in as the 37th Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday, September 7, despite strong opposition from the Punjab government over the procedure followed for his appointment.

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria administered the oath of office to Justice Mishra at Punjab Lok Bhawan in Chandigarh. The ceremony was attended by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh, senior judicial officers and other officials. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and his ministers, however, stayed away from the event. 

Punjab Government Had Opposed Appointment

The swearing-in came a day after the Punjab Cabinet passed a resolution opposing the Centre's decision to appoint Justice Mishra as Chief Justice.

The AAP government argued that Punjab's views were not obtained and considered before the appointment was finalised. The state sought a deferment of the oath ceremony until its concerns were addressed.

Mann had also written to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria over the issue. The Punjab government maintained that the appointment process did not follow the procedure prescribed under the Memorandum of Procedure for judicial appointments. 

Centre Rejects Punjab's Objections

The Centre has rejected the Punjab government's interpretation of the appointment process.

Additional Solicitor General Satya Pal Jain described the state's objections as “unfortunate and uncalled for” and maintained that the prescribed procedure had been followed. He also argued that the state government's views do not amount to a veto over the appointment of a High Court Chief Justice. 

The dispute has therefore developed into a larger disagreement between the Punjab government and the Centre over the role of state governments in the appointment process for High Court chief justices.

Justice Mishra Had Been Acting Chief Justice

Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra had been functioning as the Acting Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court since June 2, before his appointment as the regular Chief Justice.

The Supreme Court Collegium recommended his elevation in August. The Centre subsequently notified his appointment, following which the Punjab government intensified its objections.

Justice Mishra had earlier served as a judge of the Allahabad High Court before being transferred to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, where he joined in July 2025. He was enrolled as an advocate in 1993 and was designated a Senior Advocate in 2013.

Mann Skips Oath Ceremony

Mann's absence was particularly significant because the Punjab government had publicly opposed the appointment just one day earlier.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini attended the ceremony along with Haryana Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh. The presence of representatives from Haryana contrasted with the absence of Punjab's political executive.

Reports said the chair reserved for the Punjab Chief Minister remained vacant during the ceremony, underlining the disagreement between the state government and the Centre. (Hindustan Times)

Dispute Goes Beyond the Appointment

The controversy comes against the backdrop of continuing Centre-Punjab tensions over constitutional and administrative issues.

Punjab's government has argued that consultation with the state is an important part of the established process for appointments affecting its High Court. The Centre, on the other hand, maintains that the state can provide its views but does not possess a power to block or veto a judicial appointment.

The disagreement is now likely to remain a political and constitutional issue even after Justice Mishra's assumption of office.

Justice Mishra Takes Charge Amid Row

With Monday's oath ceremony, Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra has formally assumed charge as the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

His appointment has proceeded despite the Punjab Cabinet's request for a pause, leaving the underlying disagreement over the appointment process unresolved. The immediate focus will now shift to the functioning of the High Court under its new Chief Justice, while the political dispute between the Punjab government and the Centre continues. 

Punjab witnessed disruptions on Friday as the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha observed a statewide shutdown from 7 am to 2 pm on August 21, with schools, markets and public transport services affected in several parts of the state.

The shutdown has been called primarily to demand the release of Sikh prisoners who remain incarcerated despite completing their sentences. The Morcha is also seeking parole for Jagtar Hawara, who was convicted in the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh.

Traffic Disrupted Across Punjab

The bandh affected road traffic at several locations. In Mohali, protesters blocked the Kharar-Chandigarh highway, causing inconvenience to commuters travelling towards Chandigarh and surrounding areas.

The blockade also led to arguments between protesters and people attempting to reach work. The Morcha had announced that national highways, state highways and district roads could be blocked during the shutdown.

Public transport was also affected, with buses remaining parked at several bus stands. Passengers reported difficulties in travelling as bus operations were disrupted.

Schools And Markets Closed

Educational institutions in several areas remained closed in response to the bandh call. Some schools in Chandigarh and Mohali were shut, while the Private Schools Association had also appealed to schools to observe the shutdown.

Markets and shops were also affected. The Morcha had appealed to traders to close main markets, shopping malls, wholesale markets and other commercial establishments between 7 am and 2 pm.

Visuals from different parts of Punjab showed shuttered shops and reduced commercial activity.

SGPC Institutions Observe Bandh

Institutions associated with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) also observed the shutdown. SGPC offices and educational institutions under its management were closed.

SGPC members were also seen participating in demonstrations and raising slogans in support of the demands raised by the Morcha.

Railway And Public Transport Impact

The Morcha had also announced plans to block railway tracks during the shutdown. Apart from trains, the bandh was expected to affect buses, autos and taxis because of road blockades and reduced movement.

At Amritsar bus stand, several buses remained parked as services were disrupted, leaving passengers waiting for alternative transport.

Why Has The Morcha Called The Bandh?

The central demand of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha concerns Sikh prisoners who, according to the organisation, continue to remain in jail despite completing their sentences.

The Morcha has also demanded parole for Jagtar Hawara, who is serving a sentence in connection with the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh.

The shutdown was intended to put pressure on the authorities over these demands and draw wider public attention to the issue.

Situation During The Shutdown

The impact of the bandh varied across Punjab, with some areas witnessing complete closure of shops and disruption of transport, while activity continued in other locations.

The blockade of the Kharar-Chandigarh highway in Mohali was among the prominent disruptions reported during the morning. Authorities were required to manage traffic movement and maintain law and order at protest locations.

The shutdown was scheduled to continue until 2 pm on August 21.

The development comes at a time when the debate over the film has already reached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, while a separate controversy involving the disappearance of a convicted former police officer in the Jaswant Singh Khalra murder case has further heightened political and public attention.

In a social media post, Bittu uploaded several photographs showing heavily armed men carrying AK-47 rifles and drum magazines. Referring to the images, he said they were not from a modern-day photoshoot but from Punjab’s years of insurgency.

The minister questioned who these individuals were and recalled a period when, according to him, fear had gripped the state and civilians frequently became targets of violence. He said families who lived through that phase still remember the uncertainty and trauma associated with those years.

Bittu also stressed that violence and weapons could never represent Punjab’s future and argued that the state now needs peace, development and social harmony rather than narratives that revive memories of militancy.

His remarks come amid criticism and debate over Sutlej, a film involving Diljit Dosanjh that has sparked reactions from different quarters. While supporters have defended the project, critics have raised concerns over its themes and portrayal of historical events.

The dispute has now reached the courts. A resident of Mohali, Sarwan Singh, has filed a petition seeking the restoration of the film on OTT platforms. The matter is expected to draw legal scrutiny as stakeholders continue to debate issues related to content, historical representation and public sentiment.

At the same time, attention has shifted to another high-profile case linked to Punjab’s past.

Authorities are attempting to trace former DSP Jaspal Singh, who was convicted in the kidnapping and murder case of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. Officials confirmed that the Nabha Open Agriculture Jail administration has written to Hoshiarpur Police asking them to locate Singh after concerns emerged regarding his whereabouts.

Police officials in Hoshiarpur have acknowledged receiving communication related to the matter.

Jaspal Singh was serving a life sentence in the Khalra murder case and was released on bail in May 2023 after furnishing a personal bond. His release was linked to legal provisions arising from delays in the consideration of a remission proposal pending before the Governor.

According to prison officials, the Punjab government had forwarded a proposal seeking premature release of Jaspal Singh in September 2022. As no final decision was taken for an extended period, legal provisions and previous court directions were cited while granting him temporary relief.

The case has once again brought focus to the 1995 abduction and murder of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a prominent human rights activist known for exposing alleged illegal cremations during Punjab’s militancy period.

The Khalra case remains one of the most significant human rights cases in Punjab’s history. In 2005, a special CBI court convicted former DSP Jaspal Singh and several other police personnel. Subsequent proceedings before the Punjab and Haryana High Court resulted in modifications to some convictions and sentences, while life imprisonment remained in force for key accused.

The simultaneous emergence of the Sutlej controversy and renewed attention on the Khalra case has revived public discussion around Punjab’s militancy-era history, with political leaders, legal institutions and civil society groups closely watching developments.

Further proceedings in both matters are awaited.

A 35-year-old anaesthesiologist from Ludhiana was found dead at Delhi's Aruna Asaf Ali Government Hospital after allegedly administering a fatal dose of anaesthesia to himself while on duty. Police recovered a three-page handwritten note in which the doctor attributed his decision to his family's opposition to his relationship with a fellow doctor due to caste differences.

The deceased, identified as Dr Simarpreet Singh Anand, had been working as a Senior Resident in the Department of Anaesthesia at the hospital for the past three years. He was originally a resident of BRS Nagar in Ludhiana.

Incident During Night Duty

According to police, Dr Anand was on night duty from July 4 to July 5. Hospital staff said he had complained of fatigue and poor health after reporting for duty.

Investigators said he asked a technical assistant to insert a cannula into his left hand around 10 pm, reportedly stating that he needed to administer medication to himself.

The following morning, when the duty room remained locked from inside and there was no response, hospital staff forced open the door. Dr Anand was found unconscious and immediately shifted to the emergency department, where doctors declared him dead.

A crime team and forensic experts later recovered a used syringe and empty medicine vials from the room.

Suicide Note Mentions Relationship

During the investigation, police recovered a diary and a three-page suicide note from the doctor's belongings.

According to investigators, the note stated that Dr Anand had been in a relationship with a fellow doctor working at the same hospital for the past two years. The woman is reportedly a resident of Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh.

The note alleged that the couple's families were unwilling to approve their marriage because they belonged to different castes. Dr Anand wrote that the emotional distress caused by the situation had pushed him to take the extreme step and stated that he alone was responsible for his death.

He also expressed a final wish that his personal belongings be handed over to the woman mentioned in the note.

Police Begin Investigation

The hospital administration informed Civil Lines Police Station after the incident. Police have initiated inquest proceedings and sent the body for post-mortem examination by a medical board.

Investigators are examining the recovered note, forensic evidence and other circumstances surrounding the death. Officials have not indicated any suspicion of foul play at this stage, and the inquiry is continuing in accordance with legal procedure.

Experienced Anaesthesiologist

Dr Anand had completed his MBBS before pursuing an MD in Anaesthesia. Investigators said his medical background meant he was fully aware of the effects and dosage of anaesthetic drugs.

Authorities are awaiting the post-mortem report and forensic findings before completing the investigation.

Patiala Rail Blast Probe: Four Arrested, Foreign Links Suspected

The Patiala rail blast has led to the arrest of four accused, with investigators probing alleged links to foreign handlers and extremist networks targeting critical infrastructure.

A low-intensity explosion on a railway track near Rajpura in Punjab’s Patiala district has triggered a wide-ranging security probe, with police confirming the arrest of four suspects and pointing to possible cross-border links behind the incident.

The blast occurred around 8:30 pm on April 27 along the Ambala–Amritsar freight corridor. According to officials, the explosion took place beneath a moving goods train. The loco pilot reported a sudden jolt but the situation became clear only after railway authorities were alerted further down the line, leading to a delayed response.

Arrests and recoveries

Patiala Police said four individuals — Pradeep Singh Khalsa, Kulwinder Singh Bagga, Satnam Singh Satta and Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi — have been taken into custody in connection with the Patiala rail blast. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Kuldeep Chahal confirmed that multiple items were recovered during the arrests.

These include an improvised explosive device (IED), another bomb, two pistols along with live cartridges, and electronic equipment such as a laptop believed to have been used for communication. Officials indicated that the weapons may have been supplied through networks operating across the border.

Foreign handlers under lens

Initial interrogation of the accused suggests the group was in contact with handlers linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and certain Khalistani extremist outfits based in Malaysia. According to officials, the module’s intent appeared to be disrupting public order and creating panic by targeting railway infrastructure.

Police sources said the operation was likely being directed remotely, with further investigation expected to focus on financial transactions and communication trails. The accused are expected to be taken on police remand for deeper questioning.

Suspect killed in blast

Investigators believe the explosion may have occurred while the device was being planted. A suspected operative, identified as Jagroop Singh Roopa from Tarn Taran, was killed in the blast. His body was recovered in a severely mutilated condition near the tracks.

Railway officials said a mobile phone and a travel ticket were found at the site, indicating movement from Sirhind. CCTV footage from Amritsar has also surfaced, reportedly showing the suspect parking a motorcycle prior to the incident.

Claim and prior threats

A social media post attributed to the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) claimed responsibility for the attack, naming Germany-based Jaswinder Singh Multani. However, authorities have said the claim remains unverified at this stage.

Investigators are also examining a prior email threat reportedly issued by a group identifying itself as the Khalistan National Army. The message had warned of attacks on railway tracks across Punjab and Haryana, including routes connected to Delhi.

Two motorcycles with registration numbers from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana were recovered near the blast site, adding another layer to the investigation.

Track damage, repairs underway

Railway officials and forensic teams inspected the site shortly after the incident. Visual evidence showed damage to the track and its concrete base, suggesting the explosive was placed with some precision.

Repair work was initiated overnight to restore the affected section. Rail traffic on the route was regulated temporarily but has since been normalised, officials said.

Political reactions emerge

The incident has sparked political reactions, with opposition leaders questioning the state government’s handling of security. Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal termed the incident a “serious lapse” and called for urgent corrective measures.

Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Waring also expressed concern, stating that such incidents could threaten the fragile peace in the region if not addressed firmly.

Second incident in months

This is the second such incident involving railway tracks in Punjab in recent months. In January, a blast near Sirhind led to the derailment of a goods train and injuries to the driver, raising concerns about a possible pattern.

Officials say the Patiala rail blast investigation remains active, with multiple agencies involved. Authorities are now focusing on identifying the wider network and preventing any further attempts to target key infrastructure.

The Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB) has invited applications for 170 posts of Assistant District Attorney in Punjab. The recruitment drive offers an opportunity to law graduates seeking government jobs in the legal sector, with the monthly pay going up to Rs 55,000.

According to officials, eligible candidates can submit applications online through the official website, www.pspcl.in

. The Punjab PSSSB recruitment process is expected to draw significant interest from law graduates across the state and neighbouring regions due to the limited vacancies and stable government pay structure.

Who Can Apply

Candidates applying for the post must hold an LLB degree from a recognised institution. Applicants must also have working knowledge of the Punjabi language, which remains a mandatory eligibility condition for the post.

The recruitment is aimed at filling legal vacancies in the state system through a structured selection process. Officials indicated that candidates must ensure they meet both academic and language criteria before submitting applications.

Age And Eligibility

The minimum age for applicants is 21 years, while the upper age limit is 37 years. Reserved category candidates will be eligible for age relaxation as per Punjab government norms. The relaxation will apply to eligible Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and other reserved category applicants in line with existing Government Updates and service rules.

Applicants have been advised to verify age eligibility and category-related exemptions carefully before proceeding with registration.

Application Fee Details

The application fee has been fixed category-wise by the board. General category candidates will have to pay Rs 1,000 as the application fee. The fee for SC and ST candidates has been set at Rs 250, while Persons with Disabilities (PwD) applicants will have to pay Rs 500. Ex-servicemen candidates will be required to pay Rs 200.

The fee must be paid online during the application process. Officials said incomplete applications or unpaid forms will not be considered for further stages.

Salary And Selection

Selected candidates will receive a monthly salary of Rs 55,000, making the post one of the better-paying entry-level legal positions in the state recruitment cycle.

The Punjab PSSSB recruitment selection process will be conducted in three stages. Candidates will first appear for a written examination. Those who qualify will be called for document verification, followed by preparation of the final merit list.

The examination pattern has not been released so far. Candidates are expected to receive further details in the detailed notification or subsequent updates issued by the board.

How To Apply Online

Candidates must apply through the official website by following the prescribed online process.

Applicants need to visit www.pspcl.in  and click on the recruitment registration link available on the homepage. After registration, candidates must complete the application form, upload required documents, pay the prescribed fee and submit the form online.

Candidates have also been advised to keep a printed copy of the submitted form for future reference, especially during document verification and final selection stages.

What Applicants Should Watch

The absence of a declared exam pattern makes this recruitment significant for candidates tracking Latest News Today in state legal hiring. Aspirants will need to closely monitor official updates for syllabus, exam structure and important dates.

Online Application Link

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is at the center of a shocking security scare today. Admitted to Fortis Hospital Mohali with breathing trouble, he received a bomb threat hoax claiming Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann bomb threat from the so-called Khalistan National Army. The threat, sent via email, alleged polonium poisoning and vowed to blow up the hospital— but it turned out to be fake.

Threat Details and Wild Claims

The email, received by 16 schools and hospitals including Fortis, warned of explosions at 1:11 PM. It claimed Mann was poisoned with polonium—a rare, deadly radioactive toxin—by "heirs of brother Dilawar Singh." It threatened his fate would mirror former CM Beant Singh's 1995 assassination. "Only Mann’s body will leave Fortis," it read, also targeting schools amid today's CBSE Class 10 Math exams starting at 10:30 AM.

No details on how poisoning occurred, raising doubts. The email signed off with Khalistan National Army, naming figures like Engineer Gurnakh Singh.

Massive Security Response

Police swung into action fast. Five bomb disposal squads swept Fortis Hospital Mohali, cordoning off the area. Anti-riot teams guarded gates, while Mohali police patrolled roads. SP City Dilpreet Singh confirmed: "CM's security team is fully alert. Non-essential services halted; thorough checks done." The hospital campus saw heightened security, but no explosives found—another hoax.

Schools like Gyan Jyoti evacuated in 10 minutes, informing police immediately. Parents panicked as CBSE exams kicked off, disrupting education in Punjab.

Pattern of Hoax Threats in Punjab

This isn't isolated. Punjab and Chandigarh face a wave of Punjab school bomb threats:

• Feb 11: 16 Mohali schools targeted, mentioning PM Modi and Amit Shah—no bombs.
  
  

• Jan 28: 26-30 Chandigarh schools threatened, tied to PM's Punjab visit—hoax.
  
  

• Jan 29: Secretariats evacuated—nothing found.
  
  

Over 9 cases since 2024, mostly emails from abroad (US IP, Bangladesh recovery). Why now? Amid Khalistan referendum tensions and fake encounters row, these Fortis Hospital Mohali hoax incidents test Punjab's security.

Why It Matters Today

With CBSE exams underway and Mann's health under watch, this exposes vulnerabilities. Experts like security analyst Pranchal Srivastava warn: "Hoaxes drain resources, spread fear." Punjab Police urge vigilance; investigations trace foreign links.

Takeaways: Report suspicious emails instantly. Schools must drill SOPs. For Mann, doctors monitor breathing issues—no polonium confirmed yet.

Stay tuned for updates on Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann bomb threat. Punjab remains on high alert.