Punjab Government Appoints Former High Court Judge Justice Sureshwar Thakur as NRI Commission Chairman
Pranav B Prem
The Government of Punjab, vide its official notification issued on Tuesday, has appointed Hon’ble Mr. Justice (Retd.) Sureshwar Thakur, former Judge of the Hon’ble High Court of Punjab and Haryana, to the post of Chairman, Punjab State Commission for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). Justice Thakur retired from the High Court on May 16 after having served as a High Court judge for over 11 years.
A jurist of notable repute hailing from the State of Himachal Pradesh, Justice Thakur commenced his legal practice in the year 1987 before the High Court of Himachal Pradesh. During his initial years at the Bar, he was engaged in a broad array of legal matters encompassing civil, criminal, and constitutional jurisdictions. His acumen in public law was further strengthened during his tenure as Additional Central Government Standing Counsel from 1994 to 2000, wherein he represented the Union of India in matters before the High Court. In the course of said tenure, he also briefly discharged the functions of Litigation In-Charge for cases pertaining to the Union of India.
Justice Thakur entered the judicial service in 2001 upon his appointment as Additional District and Sessions Judge, with his first posting at Kangra (Dharamshala). Thereafter, he served in various judicial capacities across the State of Himachal Pradesh. From 2002 to 2005, he functioned as Additional District and Sessions Judge at Mandi and was subsequently posted as District and Sessions Judge, Kinnaur at Rampur.
His judicial assignments further included significant postings such as Presiding Officer of the Labour Court, Kangra at Dharamshala (2005–2008), District and Sessions Judge, Bilaspur (2008–2009), and President of the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Shimla, where he served until 2010. He continued his distinguished service in the district judiciary as District and Sessions Judge, Sirmaur at Nahan (2010–2012), and later at Kangra at Dharamshala (2012–2013).
On 1st May 2013, Justice Thakur was appointed Registrar of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh, a position which conferred upon him key administrative responsibilities integral to the efficient functioning of the judicial system. He served in said capacity until 4th May 2014.
He was elevated to the Bench of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh as an Additional Judge on 5th May 2014 and was confirmed as a Permanent Judge on 30th November 2014.
Justice Thakur’s judicial tenure has been characterized by unwavering commitment to constitutional values, integrity in the discharge of judicial functions, and a profound understanding of both substantive and procedural law. His appointment as Chairman of the Punjab State Commission for NRIs is a testament to his rich legal and judicial experience and is expected to further the cause of justice for the non-resident community.
