• Key Points:
• Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan has been recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium for the position of Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court as of May 26, 2025.
• Born in 1964 in Rohru, Himachal Pradesh, he has a distinguished legal and judicial career spanning over three decades.
• He served as a judge and Acting Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, disposing of over 69,000 cases.
• His contributions include significant work in legal education and child welfare, particularly for children in bal/balika ashrams.
• The appointment reflects his reputation for judicial excellence and leadership, though specific details about his tenure in Jharkhand are yet to unfold.

Background and Early Life

Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, born on January 9, 1964, in Tehsil Rohru, Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh, is a seasoned jurist known for his dedication to justice. His early education at Bishop Cotton School in Shimla shaped his leadership skills, where he served as House Captain and later School Captain. He pursued higher education at DAV College, Chandigarh, graduating with honors, and earned his law degree from Panjab University, Chandigarh, laying a strong foundation for his legal career.

Legal and Judicial Career

Starting his legal journey in 1989 as an advocate with the Bar Council of Himachal Pradesh, Justice Chauhan practiced extensively in the Himachal Pradesh High Court across various legal domains. He served as Standing Counsel for key state entities before being elevated as an Additional Judge in 2014 and a permanent Judge later that year. His judicial tenure is marked by disposing of 69,805 cases, reflecting his efficiency. He also served as Acting Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court twice, showcasing his leadership.

New Role and Contributions

On May 26, 2025, the Supreme Court Collegium recommended Justice Chauhan as Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court, a role he is expected to assume following the transfer of the incumbent Chief Justice (Bar and Bench). Beyond the bench, he has contributed to legal education as a Board Member of Himachal Pradesh National Law University and former President of the HP Judicial Academy. His work as Chairperson of the Juvenile Justice Committee has significantly impacted child welfare.

Looking Ahead

As Justice Chauhan prepares to lead the Jharkhand High Court, his extensive experience suggests he will bring stability and fairness to the role. His appointment is a significant milestone, and his future contributions are anticipated to uphold the principles of justice.

Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan: A Journey of Judicial Excellence

Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, a distinguished figure in the Indian judiciary, has been recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium for the prestigious position of Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court as of May 26, 2025. His journey from a small town in Himachal Pradesh to one of the highest judicial offices in India is a testament to his dedication, legal acumen, and commitment to justice. This biography explores his early life, legal career, judicial contributions, and the significant roles he has played in shaping the legal landscape.

Early Life and Education

Born on January 9, 1964, in Tehsil Rohru, a serene region in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, Tarlok Singh Chauhan grew up in an environment that fostered both academic excellence and leadership. His formative years were spent at the prestigious Bishop Cotton School in Shimla, where he distinguished himself not only in academics but also in leadership roles. As House Captain of Ibbetson House and later School Captain, he developed a strong sense of responsibility and discipline, qualities that would define his career.

After completing his schooling, Chauhan pursued higher education at DAV College in Chandigarh, where he graduated with honors. His passion for law led him to Panjab University, Chandigarh, where he earned his law degree. This robust educational background equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the legal profession.

Legal Career

In 1989, Tarlok Singh Chauhan enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council of Himachal Pradesh, marking the beginning of a remarkable legal career. He began practicing in the High Court of Himachal Pradesh, where he quickly gained a reputation for his versatility and expertise across various branches of law, including civil, criminal, constitutional, and administrative matters. His ability to handle diverse legal issues showcased his deep understanding of the law and his commitment to serving his clients.

Before his elevation to the judiciary, Chauhan held significant roles as Standing Counsel-cum-Legal Advisor for the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd. and the Himachal Pradesh State Civil Supplies Corporation. These positions allowed him to represent state interests in complex legal matters, further honing his skills and establishing him as a trusted legal professional. He also conducted cases for various departments, boards, corporations, financial institutions, public and private companies, educational institutions, and cooperative societies, demonstrating his broad expertise.

Judicial Career

On February 23, 2014, Tarlok Singh Chauhan was elevated to the position of Additional Judge of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, a recognition of his legal prowess and contributions to the legal community. Later that year, on November 30, 2014, he was confirmed as a permanent Judge, marking a significant milestone in his career. Nominated by P. Sathasivam and appointed by then-President Pranab Mukherjee, his elevation underscored the confidence placed in his abilities .

During his tenure as a judge, Justice Chauhan has been known for his prolific output and dedication to justice. He has disposed of an impressive 69,805 cases, reflecting his efficiency and commitment to addressing judicial backlogs . His judicial philosophy emphasizes fairness, accessibility, and timely resolution of cases, earning him respect among peers and litigants alike.

Justice Chauhan’s leadership qualities were further recognized when he served as Acting Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court on two occasions: from April 20, 2023, to May 29, 2023, and from October 19, 2024, to December 28, 2024. During these periods, he ensured the smooth functioning of the court, demonstrating his ability to lead under challenging circumstances .

Appointment as Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court

On May 26, 2025, the Supreme Court Collegium recommended Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan for appointment as the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court, following the transfer of the incumbent Chief Justice, M.S. Ramachandra Rao (Bar and Bench). This recommendation highlights his status as the seniormost judge at the Himachal Pradesh High Court after the Chief Justice and his readiness to lead one of India’s high courts. As he prepares to assume this role, his extensive experience and proven track record promise to bring stability, fairness, and excellence to the Jharkhand High Court.

Contributions Beyond the Bench

Justice Chauhan’s contributions extend far beyond his judicial duties. He has played a pivotal role in legal education and social welfare, reflecting his commitment to the broader legal ecosystem. As Executive Chairman of the State Legal Service Authority, he worked tirelessly to ensure access to justice for marginalized and underserved communities. His efforts have helped bridge the gap between the legal system and those who need it most.

As a Board Member of the Governing Council of Himachal Pradesh National Law University in Shimla, Justice Chauhan has contributed to shaping the next generation of legal professionals. His tenure as President of the HP Judicial Academy further underscores his dedication to legal education, where he played a key role in training and orienting judicial officers to enhance the quality of justice delivery.

One of his most notable contributions has been in the realm of child welfare. As Chairperson of the Juvenile Justice Committee of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh, Justice Chauhan spearheaded initiatives to improve the lives of children in bal/balika ashrams. His work in this area has been widely commended for its positive impact on underprivileged children, reflecting his deep sense of social responsibility .

A Legacy of Excellence

Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan’s journey from a small town in Himachal Pradesh to the helm of the Jharkhand High Court is a story of perseverance, excellence, and unwavering commitment to justice. His academic achievements, legal expertise, and judicial contributions have earned him a distinguished place in the Indian judiciary. His leadership roles, both within and outside the courtroom, highlight his multifaceted contributions to the legal system and society at large.

As he embarks on his new role as Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court, Justice Chauhan is poised to continue his legacy of upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and accessibility. His extensive experience, coupled with his dedication to legal education and social welfare, makes him an exemplary figure in the Indian judiciary, and his tenure in Jharkhand is anticipated to be marked by the same integrity and excellence that have defined his career thus far.

Key Milestones in Justice Chauhan’s Career

Milestone	Date	Details
Born	January 9, 1964	Born in Tehsil Rohru, Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh
Enrolled as Advocate	1989	Joined Bar Council of Himachal Pradesh and began practice
Additional Judge, Himachal Pradesh HC	February 23, 2014	Elevated to the Himachal Pradesh High Court
Permanent Judge, Himachal Pradesh HC	November 30, 2014	Confirmed as permanent Judge
Acting Chief Justice, Himachal Pradesh HC	April 20, 2023 – May 29, 2023	First stint as Acting Chief Justice
Acting Chief Justice, Himachal Pradesh HC	October 19, 2024 – December 28, 2024	Second stint as Acting Chief Justice
Recommended as Chief Justice, Jharkhand HC	May 26, 2025	Recommended by Supreme Court Collegium for Jharkhand High Court
Cases Disposed	Ongoing	Disposed of 69,805 cases during his judicial tenure