The Supreme Court Collegium recommended the appointment of two advocates Ranjan Sharma and Bipin Chander and judicial officer Rakesh Kainthla as judges of Himachal Pradesh High Court.

The Chief Minister and the Governor of the State of Himachal Pradesh concurred in the recommendation, read the notification.

Ranjan Sharma enrolled as an advocate in December 1991 and was designated as a Senior Advocate on March 29, 2019.

"He has extensive practice at the Bar. He is serving as an Additional Advocate General and has a reasonably good professional income. The inputs received from the government indicate that he enjoys a good personal and professional image and nothing adverse has come to notice with regard to his integrity. The judges of the Supreme Court consulted in terms of the memorandum of procedure have concurrently found him suitable for appointment," the Collegium noted.

Bipin Chander Negi enrolled as a lawyer in 1994 and was designated a Senior Advocate in 2015.

"He was appointed as an amicus curiae by the High Court in several matters. He is reported to have knowledge of diverse branches of law and has appeared before the High Court and district courts. He would have tenure of over seven years. The inputs provided by the government in the file indicate that he enjoys a good personal and professional image," the Collegium resolution said.

Rakesh Kainthla joined judicial service on August 7, 1995. He has served as judicial officer in various capacities in the State.

"The inputs placed by the government in the file indicate that he enjoys a good personal and professional image. Nothing adverse has come to notice with regard to his integrity. The consultee-judges have concurrently given a positive opinion about his suitability for appointment as a Judge of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh," the resolution stated.

The Himachal Pradesh High Court which has a sanctioned strength of 17 is currently functioning with 11 judges, a vacancy position of 6.