In April 1977, he was recruited directly from the Bar to the State Higher Judicial Service and was appointed a District & Sessions Judge.

After functioning as a District & Sessions Judge for a year, he resigned in May 1978 and reverted to the Bar for practice mainly in the High Court.

He served one of the longest terms as Chief Justice in recent years, retiring from office after 17 months.

[6] Justice Lahoti upheld a Haryana law that did not allow those with more than two children to contest local body elections.

[8] Justice Lahoti was also the Chairperson of the Advisory Board of the Faculty of Law at Manav Rachna University.