Justice Rekha Palli, an alumnus of the Hindu College, Delhi and topper of her batch, graduated in Science before obtaining her LLB Degree from Campus Law Center, University of Delhi in 1986. Commencing her legal journey, she registered as an Advocate on Record with the Supreme Court of India in 1991 and was later designated as Senior Advocate by the Delhi High Court in April 2015. Known for her unwavering advocacy for gender equality, particularly within the Armed Forces, she played an instrumental role in securing permanent commission for women in these services. Elevated as a permanent Judge of the High Court of Delhi on 15th May 2017, Justice Palli has authored numerous landmark judgments across a spectrum of legal disciplines, including Indian Constitutional law, Criminal law, Family law, Service law, Banking law, and Arbitration matters.

In April and May 2021, when the entire country was reeling under the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic and the surge in Covid infections inundated Delhi's medical infrastructure, Justice Palli, as part of the Bench addressing pleas concerning the government's pandemic response in the NCT of Delhi, issued directives to ensure equitable access to medical facilities for all residents.

A staunch advocate for amicable dispute resolution, Justice Rekha Palli has championed the utilization of alternate dispute resolution mechanisms. Serving as a member of the Delhi International Arbitration Centre (DIAC), she has always endeavored to streamline institutional arbitration by offering state-of-the-art infrastructure, established rules and procedures, equitable fees, and exceptional administrative support. She has also chaired the organizing Committee of the inaugural edition of the Delhi Arbitration Weekend (DAW) conducted under the aegis of DIAC, which witnessed the participation of 250 delegates from 14 nationalities to deliberate on various nuances of arbitration law and commercial dispute resolution. In April 2023, she represented India at the regional symposium on Forest and Protected Areas Legislation and Jurisprudence in Kathmandu, Nepal, where she shared her insights on the intricacies of forests and protected areas laws as also the challenges and opportunities in conserving forests and protected areas. She was also a member of the Indian Delegation at the Bilateral Judicial Dialogue held with the German Delegation at the Supreme Court of India, wherein she presented her views on concerns surrounding climate change and the role of Indian judiciary in addressing the issues relatable to the said discourse.
Retired on 08.03.2025

Born and brought up in Delhi and completed schooling from Salwan Public School, Delhi. After graduation from Delhi University, completed LLB from Campus Law Centre, Faculty of Law, Delhi University in 1987. Having enrolled as an Advocate in the year 1987, initially joined the chamber of late Hon’ble Mr. Justice Valmiki J. Mehta and later on associated with late Pandit Shri R.K. Sharma (Naseem Saheb) and extensively practiced in civil and criminal matters at Delhi High Court and District Courts.

Was inducted into Delhi Judicial Service in 1992 and promoted to Delhi Higher Judicial Service in 2003. Apart from presiding over courts dealing with civil and criminal jurisdictions, also held designated courts dealing extensively with matters relating to CBI, DDA, LAC, NDPS, Electricity, MACT including matrimonial disputes as Principal Judge, Family Courts. Joined as District & Sessions Judge, North-East District, Karkardooma Courts, Delhi from 30.05.2019 to 24.10.2019.

Other Key Positions :-
Appointed as Joint Secretary (Law, Justice & Legislative Affairs), Govt. of NCT of Delhi for a period of more than three years from 1999 to 2002 and again as Principal Secretary (Law, Justice & Legislative Affairs), Govt. of NCT of Delhi from November 2017 till April 2019. Also nominated as Member/Chairperson of several committees and involved in preparation of the report relating to bifurcation of Delhi into judicial Districts in the year 2000, which was finally accepted by the Hon’ble Supreme Court. Also looked after the charge of Delhi Dispute Resolution Society (DDRS) as Working Chairperson and conducted mediation proceedings being a trained mediator. Played an active role in drafting of several Bills, formulation of policies and rendered advice on several constitutional issues.

Became the first serving judicial officer from DHJS to be appointed as Law Secretary, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India. Handled the additional charge as Secretary, Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India including Vidhi Sahitya Prakashan for a considerable period. Also appointed Member Secretary, Law Commission of India. Was a Member of the Governing Body and Executive Committees of several institutions viz. Indian Law Institute, National Judicial Academy, National Law University etc. and associated with several high powered committees. Considerably remained associated with Income Tax Appellate Tribunal as Law Secretary. Played key role in legislative drafting and formulation of several Bills and enactments including Mediation Bill 2021 as well as finalization of intricate policies by Union of India in various sectors including Petroleum, Mines, Electricity, IBC etc. During the aforesaid assignments, dealt with administrative and legal/constitutional issues and was involved in implementation and strengthening of provisions of Arbitration and Conciliation Act, New Delhi International Arbitration Centre Act, Commercial Courts Act, Notaries Act etc. including supervision of entire litigation of Union of India.

Was Member of Committee for resolution of disputes under AMRCD mechanism and resolved several high stake matters; Member of the Committee to formulate an Action Plan for Online Dispute Resolution, Member of Review Committee under the Information Technology Act and others enactments; Involved in formulation of Bilateral Investment Treaties and coordination of International Arbitration on behalf of Union of India.

Represented before several Parliamentary Committees as well as led Delegation to attend the UK-India Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) meeting held at London. Was associated in organizing of the 7th Meeting of Ministers of Justice of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as well as SCO 19th Prosecutors General Conference and also represented in several conferences at National & International level.

Played a key role in launch of an online course on “Constitution of India” inaugurated by Shri Kiren Rijiju, Hon’ble Minister for Law and Justice at national level on the eve of Constitution Day in 2021, with a vision that every citizen of the country should be made aware of his fundamental duties and fundamental rights.

Was appointed a permanent Judge of the High Court of Delhi w.e.f. 28.02.2022.
Retired on 05.03.2025

Justice Manmohan was born in Delhi on December 17, 1962. He did his schooling from Modern School, Barakhamba Road. He received his B.A. (Hons.) in History from Hindu College of University of Delhi. Attended Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi and received his LL.B. in 1987, and enrolled as an Advocate with Bar Council of Delhi in the same year. Practiced primarily in Supreme Court of India and High Court of Delhi in Civil, Criminal, Constitutional, Taxation, Arbitration, Trademark and Service litigation. Served as Senior Panel Advocate for the Government of India in High Court of Delhi and Supreme Court of India.

Designated as Senior Advocate by High Court of Delhi on January 18, 2003. In his private practice, handled various important cases including Dabhol Power Company, Hyderabad Nizam’s Jewellery Trust matter, Claridges Hotel dispute, Modi family as well as Gujarat Ambuja Cement’s sales tax and Fatehpur Sikri encroachment matter. Takes keen interest in extra judicial activities and has addressed and participated in various Seminars and Conferences of National and International repute.

Was appointed Additional Judge of High Court of Delhi on March 13, 2008 and as Permanent Judge on December 17, 2009.
Appointed as Acting Chief Justice of Delhi High Court w.e.f. 09.11.2023.

Appointed as Chief Justice of Delhi High Court w.e.f. 29.09.2024.

Elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 05th December, 2024.

Justice Dr. Sudhir Kumar Jain
• Born on 10th November, 1962.
• Did LL.B, LL.M and Ph.D. from Law Faculty Delhi University.
• Practiced as an Advocate in Delhi District Courts and High Court of Delhi.
• Served as a lecturer of law in Campus Law Centre, Delhi University before joining judicial service.
• Joined Delhi Judicial Service in year 1992 and promoted in Delhi Higher Judicial Service in year 2003.
• Posted and worked in different jurisdiction such as Civil, Criminal, Rent, CBI etc.
• Was Editor of Indian Law Report (ILR) Delhi Series.
• Posted as Principal District & Sessions Judge in Shahdara and North-East Districts, Delhi.
• Posted as Principal District & Sessions Judge-cum-Special Judge (PC Act), CBI at Rouse Avenue District, Delhi.
• Posted as Joint Director, Additional Director and Director, Delhi Judicial Academy.
• Served as a Judge in charge of Delhi Mediation Centers Tis Hazari Courts and Rohini Courts.
• Was a member of Academic Council, National Judicial Academy and Bhopal.
• Regular resource person in National Judicial Academy and other Academies/State and District Legal Service Authorities, Law Colleges/Schools and other Institutions.
• Wrote Articles on Administrative Law, Mediation and on other legal issues.
• A trained mediator and trainer for mediators.
• Received 40 hrs training on Concept & Techniques of Mediation in year 2005 from experts from Institute to Study Development in Legal System (ISDLS), California.
• Received Training of Trainers (TOT) from experts from Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR), UK.
• Conducted mediation in about 12,000 cases of all categories with experience of more than 12,000 hours in conduction of mediation.
• Conducted more than 100 Training Programmes throughout India on Mediation and for trainers of mediation for judicial officers, advocates. law students etc.
• Participated as speaker in various Regional, National and International conferences on Mediation.
• Accredited mediator by International Mediation Institute, Holland.
• Elevated as Permanent Judge of Delhi High Court on 28.02.2022.
• Retired on 09.11.2024

Rajiv Shakdher, B.Com.(Hons.), C.A., LL.B.- Graduated in B.Com. (Hons.) from Delhi University in 1984. Obtained LL.B. degree from Law Faculty, University of Delhi in 1987. Enrolled as an Advocate on 19 November 1987. Completed Chartered Accountancy from Institute of Chartered Accountants of India in 1987. Admitted as an Associate Member with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India on 29January 1988. As a chevening scholar, pursued Advanced Course in Law at Institute of Advanced Legal Studies from University of London in 1994. Was designated as Senior Advocate on 8December 2005.

Practiced in the Supreme Court of India, High Court of Delhi and other High Courts of India, Tax Tribunals, and Tribunals dealing with recovery of debts, insolvency, reconstruction and rehabilitation and company law. Has experience in civil litigation, constitutional law, with special emphasis on commercial litigation, corporate and taxation laws.

Appointed as Additional Judge of Delhi High Court on 11 April 2008 and a permanent Judge on 17 October 2011. Did a stint in the Madras High Court between 11 April 2016 and January 2018. Presently positioned as a Judge of the Delhi High Court. Has chaired, amongst others, the Information and Technology Committee in the Madras High Court and holds the same position in the Delhi High Court.
Elevated as the Chief Justice of High Court of Himachal Pradesh w.e.f. 25th September, 2024.

Justice Suresh Kumar Kait was born on May 24, 1963 at Village Kakaut, Distt. Kaithal, Haryana, India. Graduated in Humanity from University College Kurukshetra. During graduation, he was selected as Unit Leader in National Service Scheme (NSS) and was awarded University Merit Certificate. Post-Graduated in Political Science from Kurukshetra University. During Post-Graduation, he was elected as Joint Secretary of Students’ Union, Kurukshetra University. He obtained Bachelor’s Degree in Law from Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi and was enrolled as an Advocate in the year 1989. Justice Kait is first in the family who became the Advocate. He had been the Panel Lawyer/Senior Counsel for U.P.S.C. and Railways. He was appointed as Standing Counsel for Central Government in the year 2004 and continued till his elevation. He was elevated as an Additional Judge of Delhi High Court on 5th September, 2008; and became a Permanent Judge on 12.04.2013. Transferred to High Court of Judicature at Hyderabad for the State of Telangana and the State of Andhra Pradesh w.e.f. 12.04.2016.
Transferred to Delhi High Court w.e.f. 12.10.2018.
Elevated as the Chief Justice of High Court of Madhya Pradesh w.e.f. 25th September, 2024.

Justice Rajnish Bhatnagar was born on 14th June, 1962. Did B.Sc. from Delhi University in the year 1983 and thereafter LL.B. from the Campus Law Centre, Delhi University in the year 1987. Enrolled as an Advocate with the Bar Council of Delhi in the year 1987 and practised as an Advocate in both Civil and Criminal jurisdiction. Joined Delhi Higher Judicial Service on 26th May, 2000, has presided over various Civil and Criminal Courts and had been District Judge of North-West District, Rohini Courts, Delhi from 8th December, 2016 to 26th May, 2019. Elevated as a Permanent Judge of the High Court of Delhi on 27th May, 2019.
Retired on 13.06.2024.

Born on 7th August, 1965. Did his BA (Hons.) Geography and LL.B from Delhi University in the years 1987 and 1990 respectively. Awarded Certificate of Merit for standing second in College in the year 1985-86. Enrolled as an Advocate in March, 1991 with Bar Council of Delhi. Practiced in the Supreme Court of India, Delhi High Court, Central Administrative Tribunal (Principal Bench), New Delhi. Also appeared in other High Courts like at Madras High Court, Port Blair (Circuit Bench of Calcutta High Court). Conducted cases relating to Service Law, Labour Law, Arbitration, Constitution and Administrative Law. Represented various Public Sector Undertakings, Banks & Autonomous Bodies. Was Member Executive of the Central Administrative Tribunal Bar Association (Principal Bench), New Delhi. Designated as Senior Advocate by the Delhi High Court in January, 2010.
Elevated as Additional Judge of High Court of Delhi on 17th April, 2013 and as Permanent Judge on 18th March, 2015 (F/N).
Transferred to High Court of Karnataka w.e.f. 30.05.2024

Born on 26th December, 1964 at Delhi.
Did his under graduation from Delhi Public School, Mathura Road, New Delhi in commerce in 1982.
Did his graduation In Bachelor of Commerce (Honours Course) in 1985 from SRI RAM COLLEGE OF COMMERCE, Delhi University.
Obtained the Bachelor of Laws degree in 1988 from CAMPUS LAW CENTRE, University of Delhi.
Enrolled as an Advocate with the Bar Council of Delhi on 01st August, 1988.
Attended the Commonwealth Young Lawyers Course in 1992 at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of London and worked with Solicitors and Barristers in England as part of the said course.
Qualified as an Advocate On Record of the Supreme Court of India in June 1995
Trained as a lead trainer, to impart training to Advocates in Advocacy skills involving Examination and Cross examination of Witnesses and also arguing of cases, by the Indo – British Advocacy Skills project. Trained various advocates of Delhi High Court, High Court of Jharkhand at Ranchi, High Court of Andhra Pradesh at Hyderabad, High Court of Punjab and Haryana at Chandigarh and High Court of Manipur at Imphal in Advocacy skills.
Did the Personal Computing with Basic Course in 1986 and the Computer Software Applications Course in 1986-87 from the National Institute of Information Technology (N.I.I.T.).
• Signed the Delhi Public School Honour Book for proficiency in academic subjects in the year 1985.
• Awarded the National prize for the year 1985-86 by the Directorate of Education, Delhi.
• Awarded the Best Student Award for the Course of Personal Computing with Basic and awarded scholarship for the Computer Software Application course by the N.I.I.T. in 1986.
• Merit lister of the University of Delhi on the basis of the results of LL.B. Examinations in April, 1988.
• Awarded the British Council Scholarship to be one of the five young lawyers to represent India at the Commonwealth Young Lawyers Course 1992 at the University of London.
• Awarded the second prize in the Advocates on record examination of the Supreme Court of India conducted in June 1995
Enrolled as an advocate on August 1, 1988 with the Bar Council of Delhi and practised in the Supreme Court of India, the High Court of Delhi and the District Courts of Delhi.
Enrolled as an Advocate on record of the Supreme Court of India in 1995.
Was the Standing Counsel for the Bar Council of India for the Supreme Court of India and the Delhi High Court for over 20 years also appointed as a Senior Panel Lawyer for the Union of India and represented the Union of India in various matters for over 10 years.
Designated as a Senior Advocate by the High Court of Delhi in July, 2011.
Elevated as an additional Judge of the High Court of Delhi with effect from 17th April, 2013 and as Permanent Judge on 18th March, 2015 (F/N).
Transferred to High Court of Madhya Pradesh w.e.f. 30.05.2024

Justice Yogesh Khanna was born on 31st December, 1961. Did B.Com (Hons.) from Delhi University in the year 1983; and thereafter, LL.B. from Campus Law Centre, Delhi in the year 1986. He began his legal profession at District Courts, Delhi in the year 1986.
In the year 2000 joined Delhi Higher Judicial Service. During his tenure in the District Courts, handled various cases including the Nirbhaya’s case. Had been District Judge of North-West District, Rohini Courts, Delhi.
Elevated as Permanent Judge of Delhi High Court on 08th November, 2016.
Retired on 30.12.2023.

Hon’ble Mr. Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, B.Sc., LL.B

Born on 30th November, 1961 at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Father, Dr. B. N. Sharma, apart from being known as a well established agriculturalist, was also a renowned professor of Jabalpur University and subsequently the Vice Chancellor of Barkatullah University, Bhopal. Mother Smt. Shanti Sharma was a Principal in Maharani Lakshmibai Higher Secondary School and also worked as District Education Officer at Jabalpur before retirement. Started schooling from Christ Church Boys Higher Secondary School and passed 10th standard and 12th standard from Central School, Jabalpur. Enrolled as a student of Bachelor of Science in 1979 at Dr. Hari Singh Gour University, Sagar. Secured degree of Bachelor of Science in the year 1981 with distinction in three subjects.

Awarded National Merit Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies. Enrolled as a student of law in Dr. Hari Singh Gour University, Sagar in 1981. Graduated on top of the class and obtained LL.B. degree in 1984 with three university Gold Medals. Enrolled as an advocate on 1st September, 1984. Practiced in Constitutional, Service, Civil and Criminal matters before the High Court of Madhya Pradesh at Jabalpur. Was appointed Additional Central Government Counsel on 28th May, 1993 and was appointed senior panel counsel by Government of India on 28the June, 2004. In 2003, he was designated as a Senior Advocate by the High Court of Madhya Pradesh at the young age of 42, being one of the youngest senior advocates of Madhya Pradesh High Court.

Elevated as an Additional Judge of Madhya Pradesh High Court on 18th January, 2008. Appointed as a Permanent Judge on 15th January, 2010. Justice S.C. Sharma is an avid reader and is also known for his contributions to various Universities. He is associated with National Law universities. He is also on the Advisory Board of National Law Institute University, Bhopal and India International University of Legal Education and Research, Goa and has published numerous research articles and papers.

Transferred to Karnataka High Court as Judge on 31st December, 2020 and took oath on 4th January, 2021. He was later appointed as Acting Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court on 31st August, 2021. He was elevated as Chief Justice of Telangana High Court on 11th October, 2021 and transferred to Delhi High Court as Chief Justice and took oath of office on 28th June, 2022.
Elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 09th November, 2023.

* Born on 22nd November, 1962.
* Father Late Shri P.R.Mridul was a Senior Advocate.
* Did his schooling from Army Public School.
* Graduated in the year 1983 from Hindu College,
University of Delhi in B.A.Hons.History.
* Did L.L.B. in the year 1986 from Campus Law Centre, Faculty of Law,University of Delhi.
* Enrolled with Bar Council of Delhi on 24th July, 1986.
* Practiced as an advocate, variedly in matters relating to Writ and Writ & Appellate Jurisdictions, Civil Original and Appellate Jurisdictions, Company and Criminal Jurisdiction in the High Court of Delhi.
* Also practiced in The High Court of Judicature at Bombay, The Karnataka High Court at Bangalore, The Rajasthan High Court at Jaipur, Income-Tax Appellate Tribunal, Company Law Board, Appellate Authority for Industrial & Financial Reconstruction, Debt Recovery Tribunal, National and State Consumer Dispute Redress at Delhi.
* Was appointed
- Standing Counsel Union of India in 2004.
- Senior Panel Counsel for Union of India in February 2006.
* Designated as Senior Advocate in May 2006.
* Elected as Member of the Bar Council of Delhi for two terms 1992-1998 and 1998-2003.
Served as a member of the Disciplinary Committee. Also served as the Honorary Secretary to the Bar Council of Delhi from 1994 to 1997 and as the Vice Chairman from 1998 to 2003.
* Appointed by the High Court of Delhi as Member in various committees to go into inter alia, the issues of rehabilitation of children after the abolition of child labour, illegal construction in contravention of municipal bye-laws, and member of the Committee constituted to suggest, supervise and implement measures for the efficient and hygienic functioning of the Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi.
* Appointed as Additional Judge of the High Court of Delhi with effect from 13th March, 2008 and as a Permanent Judge on 26th May, 2009.
* Elevated as the Chief Justice of High Court of Manipur w.e.f. 20th October, 2023.