From Rajasthan High Court to Srinagar: Justice Bhati’s journey spans 34 years of legal practice, judicial service, Bar leadership and legal education
Jaipur: Rajasthan High Court senior judge Dr. Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati will take oath as the Chief Justice of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court at a ceremony in Srinagar on Wednesday.
The Centre formally notified his appointment on Saturday evening following the Supreme Court Collegium’s recommendation and the Union Government’s approval. The elevation marks a major milestone in Justice Bhati’s career, placing a Rajasthan High Court judge at the helm of a strategically and constitutionally significant High Court.
Justice Bhati, who began practising law in 1992, has handled a wide range of matters involving service law, writ jurisdiction, revenue, elections, mining, education, Panchayati Raj, criminal law and public interest litigation.
From Legal Practice to the High Court Bench
Born on September 21, 1970, Justice Bhati holds B.A., LL.B., LL.M. in Mercantile Law and a Ph.D., with his doctoral research focusing on promotion and seniority in public employment.
He began practising at the Rajasthan High Court’s Jodhpur Bench in 1992 and was appointed a High Court judge in 2016. Before that, he served twice as Rajasthan’s Additional Advocate General, first in 2008 and later from 2014 until his elevation.
He has represented the Rajasthan Government, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, ONGC, RBI and Jai Narain Vyas University, among other institutions.
He also served as Standing Counsel for the Indian Railways for nearly 16 years.
Strong Association with the Bar and Legal Education
Justice Bhati has had a long association with the legal profession. He served on the Bar Council of Rajasthan from 2009 to 2015 and was President of the Rajasthan High Court Lawyers’ Association from 2011 to 2013. Earlier, in 2001, he served as General Secretary of the Rajasthan High Court Advocates’ Association.
He has also worked as a trained mediator at the Rajasthan High Court.
He was associated with legal education for nearly two decades, serving as visiting faculty at Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, from 1997 to 2016. He also taught at National Law University, Jodhpur, and served on the Executive Committee of the Rajasthan Chapter of the Indian Law Institute.
Justice Bhati has been a member of the Supreme Court Bar Association since 1992.
Leadership Journey Began in Student Years
Justice Bhati’s leadership journey began during his student years. In 1990-91, he served as Vice-President of the Students’ Union of the Faculty of Law at Jai Narain Vyas University.
Since then, his career has spanned Bar leadership, government law offices, legal practice, legal education and judicial service, eventually leading to his appointment as Chief Justice of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court.
Passion Beyond the Courtroom
Away from law, Justice Bhati has maintained an interest in adventure and sports. He has pursued horse riding, swimming and shooting and has also been a solo glider pilot and parasailer.
His association with the National Cadet Corps also exposed him to various adventure activities, and he holds A, B and C certificates.
Rajasthan Bar welcomes Justice Bhati’s Elevation
Justice Bhati’s elevation has been warmly welcomed by the Rajasthan legal fraternity.
Rajasthan High Court Lawyers’ Association President Dileep Singh Udawat called it a matter of pride for Rajasthan and the country, praising Justice Bhati’s calm and courteous personality. General Secretary Arun Jhanjhariya highlighted his respectful approach towards women lawyers and his continued support for young advocates.
Rajasthan High Court Advocates’ Association President Ranjeet Joshi described him as an experienced and learned judge. General Secretary Vijay Chaudhary said his judicial experience, leadership and humility would help him guide the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court effectively.
Justice Bhati will formally take charge as Chief Justice at Wednesday’s oath-taking ceremony in Srinagar, marking the beginning of his new judicial assignment.