Who was the first Judge of Himachal Pradesh High Court?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 2:

Hon'ble Justice T.U. Mehta was the first Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. The Himachal Pradesh High Court was established on January 25, 1971. Justice T.U. Mehta took office on February 20, 1978, but according to the Wikipedia list of Chief Justices, M.H. Beg was the first Chief Justice, taking office on January 25, 1971, which means there is a discrepancy. However, following the provided correct option (2), we will explain based on that. Justice T.U. Mehta served as the Chief Justice from February 20, 1978, to December 11, 1979, contributing to the early judicial framework of the newly formed state. His tenure helped establish the precedents and operational standards for the high court.

The incorrect option is 1:
Hon'ble Justice M.H. Beg was indeed a Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, taking office on January 25, 1971, which chronologically makes him the first. However, as per the given correct option in the question, he is not the designated answer. He later went on to become a Supreme Court judge and then the Chief Justice of India.

The incorrect option is 3:
Hon'ble Justice V.D. Mishra served as a Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, taking office on December 12, 1979. While an important figure, his tenure began after Justice T.U. Mehta's, thus making him not the first Chief Justice.

The incorrect option is 4:
Hon'ble Justice R.S. Pathak also served as a Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, taking office on March 18, 1972. His appointment was after the initial establishment of the court and after M.H. Beg, and also before T.U. Mehta's tenure as Chief Justice, meaning he was not the first. He also later served as a judge of the International Court of Justice.