Judiciary of Bhutan
Justice and Judges of the High Court

Justices/Judges of the Royal Court of Justice

The High Court consists of 7 to 9 Judges, which is presided over by the Chief Justice of Bhutan. A Dzongkhag court comprises of a minimum of single judge and a maximum of three judges. A Dungkhag court comprises of one judge.

The Hon'ble Chief Justice of Bhutan

Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye

 

Justice, Dasho Sherub Gyeltshen

 

Justice, Dasho Sither Namgyel

   
 

Justice, Dasho Jigme Zangpo

 

Justice, Dasho Tshering Wangchuk

 
 

 

Justice, Dasho Pasang Tobgay

 

Justice,Dasho Thinley Yoezer

   

Justice, Dasho K.B. Ghalley

 

Appointment of the Justices/Judges

Appointment of Drangpons the Dzongkhags dates back to 1960. After the establishment of High Court in 1968, His Majesty the King Jigme Singye Wangchuck promulgated Kadyon (Royal Edict) Nga in 1976, which envisaged the delegation of the appointment of the Judges (Drangpons).

His Majesty the King appointed the first Chief Justice of Bhutan in 1985. The Chief Justice presides over cases as primus inter pares (First among equals). The power to appoint and transfer judges of Dzongkhags and Dungkhags is also vested in the Chief Justice upon the assent of His Majesty the King.

The justices of the Supreme Court are appointed by His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo by warrant under His Majesty's hand and seal on the recommendation of the National Judicial Commission from among persons of high integrity and who are acknowledged authorities on the laws of Bhutan. To be appointed as the Justices of the Supreme Court the person should at least serve as a High Justice for seven years.

The justices of the High Court are appointed by His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo by warrant under His Majesty's hand and seal on the recommendation of the National Judicial Commission. To be appointed as the Justices of the High Court the person should at least service for seven years in succession as a Judge of the Dzongkhag Court or twenty one years as an advocate of the Supreme Court/High Court, or is, in the opinion of His Majesty the King, a distinguished Jurist/Advocate.

The justices of the Dzongkhag Court are appointed if the person had been at least for seven years as a Judge of the Dungkhag Court, at least for ten years as a Drngpon Rabjam in succession, fifteen years as an advocate of three or more such courts in succession, or is, in the opinion of His Majesty the King, a distinguished Jurist/Advocate.

 

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