The Punjab state government challenged the Central government's decision to appoint Ashwani Kumar Mishra as Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, arguing that the appointment bypassed constitutional procedures and failed to consult the state. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann sent letters to both the President and Prime Minister requesting a delay in administering the oath to Mishra until the state's concerns were addressed. While the state government has a consultative role in judicial appointments under Article 217 of the Constitution, it does not have the authority to veto or block such appointments. The article explains that the Governor, acting on the advice of the state council, is involved in the consultation process, but the final decision lies with the President after consultation with the Chief Justice of India and the relevant state governor. The article also outlines the evolution of judicial appointment processes in India, highlighting key Supreme Court rulings that shifted control from the executive to the judiciary.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced explanation of the legal framework governing judicial appointments in India, including historical Supreme Court rulings. It objectively describes the positions of the Punjab state government and the central government without overtly favoring either side. The framing,



