From farmer’s family to HC Bench: Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal retires after distinguished tenure at HC
PTC Web Desk: Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal of the Punjab and Haryana High Court retired on Monday, marking the end of a notable judicial career during which he was widely recognised for his fearless approach, transparency and strong command over the law.
During his tenure, Justice Grewal took cognisance of several significant matters concerning governance, law enforcement and public accountability. Among the most prominent was the controversy surrounding the jail interview of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The High Court’s intervention and suo motu action helped bring to light that Bishnoi’s first interview had been recorded in Punjab at the CIA complex in Kharar. Earlier, the Punjab Police and the state government had denied that the interview was conducted in Punjab.
Justice Grewal also took suo motu notice in several other sensitive cases, including the recent encounter of 19-year-old Ranjit Singh and the murder case of Rana Balachauria.
Key judicial interventions
One of his major judicial interventions involved the controversial Punjab Land Pooling Policy, on which Justice Grewal imposed a stay. Following the court’s intervention, the Punjab Government eventually withdrew the policy.
He also took cognisance of cases related to allegedly tainted officials within the Punjab Police, demonstrating his proactive stance on issues concerning public accountability and governance.
Another important decision came in the long-pending case involving former Punjab Chief Secretary VK Janjua. Justice Grewal lifted the stay on the trial that had remained stalled for years. Subsequently, based on the court’s direction, the Government of India granted permission to prosecute Janjua in the case.
From farmer’s family to HC Bench
Justice Grewal was born into a farmer’s family in Ludhiana and is considered a first-generation lawyer in his family. After earning his law degree from St Stephen’s College in 1992, he began practising law at the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Before being elevated to the Bench, he spent a long period associated with the office of the Advocate General of Punjab.
In 2014, he was appointed as a Judge of the High Court. Following his elevation, he initially served at the Rajasthan High Court in Jodhpur. In 2016, he was transferred to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, where he continued to serve until his retirement.
Farewell by High Court Bar Association
On the occasion of his retirement, the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association organised a farewell ceremony in his honour.
Throughout his judicial career, Justice Grewal earned respect for his independent and proactive approach. Apart from hearing cases listed before him, he often demonstrated sensitivity towards broader issues related to society, law and order, and questionable government policies by initiating proceedings on his own through suo motu actions.
- PTC NEWS
