HC Chief Justice appointment row: SAD hits out at CM Mann; Raises judicial independence concerns
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, September 6, 2026: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema has strongly criticised Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over his reported objections to the appointment of Justice Ashwani Misra as Chief Justice of the Punjab & Haryana High Court.
In a statement posted on social media, Cheema said the Chief Minister’s objections were “deeply concerning” and alleged that any attempt by the executive to question or influence judicial appointments could undermine judicial independence and the constitutional separation of powers.
Cheema claimed that the Punjab & Haryana High Court had delivered several judgments against the Punjab government and said that matters involving alleged corruption in the highest offices were also reaching a crucial stage.
“At such a juncture, creating controversy around the judiciary raises serious questions about the government’s intentions,” Cheema said.
The SAD leader also accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of allowing the Aam Aadmi Party leadership in Delhi to exercise increasing influence over Punjab’s administration.
Cheema questioned Mann’s “moral authority” to speak about federalism while, according to him, key decisions and appointments in the state were being influenced from Delhi. The SAD leader said his party had consistently supported an independent judiciary and constitutional institutions.
“We will strongly oppose every attempt to weaken, intimidate or politically interfere with the judiciary,” Cheema said.