CM Saini Condoles Death of Justice Mahabir Singh Sindhu
Synopsis
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini visited the Chandigarh residence of the late Justice Mahabir Singh Sindhu of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on 2 July 2026, offering condolences to the bereaved family and praying for the departed soul's peace.
Key Takeaways
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini visited the family of the late Justice Mahabir Singh Sindhu in Chandigarh on 2 July 2026 .
Justice Sindhu was a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court , which holds jurisdiction over Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh.
CM Saini described the loss as a moment of 'unbearable grief' and prayed for strength for the bereaved family.
The visit was accompanied by 3 photographs shared on social media, documenting the official condolence call.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court registry and Bar Council are expected to issue formal tributes in the judge's honour.
Any judicial vacancy arising from the demise will be addressed through the Supreme Court collegium's standard appointment process.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday, 2 July 2026, visited the residence of the late Justice Mahabir Singh Sindhu in Chandigarh to offer condolences to the bereaved family following the judge's passing. Justice Sindhu had served on the bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The Chief Minister expressed his deep grief and prayed for strength for the family during this difficult time.
Context
Chief Minister Saini shared the news of his condolence visit on social media, writing in Hindi: 'पंजाब एवं हरियाणा हाईकोर्ट के न्यायमूर्ति महाबीर सिंह सिंधु जी के दुःखद निधन के पश्चात आज चंडीगढ़ में उनके निवास पर शोकाकुल परिवारजनों से भेंट की' ('After the sad demise of Justice Mahabir Singh Sindhu of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, I met the grief-stricken family members at their residence in Chandigarh today'). He described the loss as a moment of 'unbearable grief' and offered a heartfelt tribute, praying that the departed soul find peace at the feet of the Almighty.
Justice Mahabir Singh Sindhu was a sitting judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the constitutional court with jurisdiction over the states of Punjab, Haryana, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh. His passing represents a loss to the judicial institution he served.
Policy Backdrop
It is an established convention in Indian public life for chief ministers and senior political figures to personally call on the families of sitting or retired judges following their demise. Such visits reflect the institutional respect between the executive and judicial branches of government, and occur across party lines throughout the country.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has, over the years, navigated periods of judicial vacancies and appointments managed through the collegium system. The court remains one of the busier high courts in northern India, handling cases from two states and a Union Territory.
Stakeholders and Impact
The immediate stakeholders are the family of the late Justice Mahabir Singh Sindhu, who received Chief Minister Saini at their Chandigarh residence. The broader judicial community — including the bench and bar of the Punjab and Haryana High Court — is also affected by the loss of a sitting judge.
Chief Minister Saini's personal visit underscores the Haryana government's regard for the judiciary. His post, accompanied by 3 photographs from the visit, was widely shared as a mark of official condolence from the state's highest executive.
What's Next
The Punjab and Haryana High Court registry and the Bar Council are expected to issue formal tributes or announce memorial proceedings in honour of Justice Sindhu. Any vacancy arising from the judge's passing will be addressed through the Supreme Court collegium's appointment process, as is standard constitutional procedure.
Chief Minister Saini's gesture signals the Haryana government's intent to maintain respectful relations with the judiciary, a posture that carries significance as courts in the region continue to hear matters of public importance to both Haryana and Punjab.
Point of View
Saini reinforces a convention that transcends party affiliation. The death of a sitting judge also draws attention to the broader challenge of judicial vacancies in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, a recurring concern that the collegium system will now need to address. Such moments serve as quiet reminders of the interdependence between the executive and judicial branches in India's constitutional framework.
NationPress
2 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Justice Mahabir Singh Sindhu?
Justice Mahabir Singh Sindhu was a sitting judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the constitutional court with jurisdiction over Punjab, Haryana, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
Why did Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini visit Chandigarh on 2 July 2026?
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini visited Chandigarh on 2 July 2026 to offer personal condolences to the family of the late Justice Mahabir Singh Sindhu at their residence following the judge's demise.
What did CM Saini say about Justice Sindhu's death?
CM Saini described the loss as a moment of 'unbearable grief,' offered a heartfelt tribute, and prayed that the departed soul find peace and that the Almighty grant the bereaved family strength to bear the loss.
What happens to a High Court judge's vacancy after their death?
When a sitting High Court judge passes away, any resulting vacancy is filled through the Supreme Court collegium's recommendation process, which is the standard constitutional procedure for judicial appointments in India.
Is it common for chief ministers to visit families of deceased judges in India?
Yes, it is an established convention in India for chief ministers and senior political leaders to personally call on the families of sitting or retired judges after their demise, reflecting institutional respect between the executive and judicial branches.
