Senior-most Judge of Punjab and Haryana High Court Justice Surinder Singh Saron took charge of the Court as the Acting Chief Justice from Monday.

A notification by the Ministry of Law and Justice stated that Justice Saron would perform the duties of the office of the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court from 21 August to 29 August.

The appointment was made, after Chief Justice S.J. Vazifdar proceeded ‘on leave’, reportedly to pave way for Justice Saron to be appointed as the Chief Justice days before his retirement.

Justice Saron is scheduled to retire on 4 September, and hence, would not have gotten the opportunity to serve as the Chief Justice if not for Justice Vazifdar’s leave.

According to Deccan Herald, Justice Vazifdar showed camaraderie towards Justice Saron during the Independence Day celebration as well, when the former stepped aside to offer Justice Saron the privilege to unfurl the national flag at a ceremony.