"Our Institution Is Based On Upholding Trust": Chief Justice Vikram Nath Bids Farewell To Gujarat High Court

Chief Justice Vikram Nath of the Gujarat High Court in his farewell speech on Friday said "I would just like to say that our institution is based on upholding trust, and as guardians of this institution, I would only like to conclude by saying that Truth is the highest Dharma."

Chief Justice Nath, who has now been elevated to the Supreme Court, was speaking at a function organized by the Gujarat High Court Bar Association. He went on to say that,

"My tenure as Gujarat High Court Chief Justice has given me numerous opportunities to grow. While I am now going to Delhi, Gujarat will be my second home."

At the outset, CJ Nath said that 2 years back, at the beginning of September 2019, when he was to take charge as the Gujarat High Court Chief Justice, there were many apprehensions in his mind as he was going to head the High Court of a State which is the one of the most politically vibrant state of the Country.

Further, calling the state of Uttar Pradesh as his 'Janmabhumi', and Gujarat as his 'real Karmabhumi', he further added thus:

"(Since) it is the homeland of great leaders such as the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, and iron man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, I was concerned about my role as HC CJ and also whether I would be able to ably perform my duties in a state with such great history."

However, Gujarat High Court accepted me with open arms and made me feel like a member of its family, said CJ Nath while emphasizing that while he was entrusted with many responsibilities as CJ, he would always have lifelong memories of the court.

Talking about the rich culture, tradition, and infrastructural development of Gujarat, CJ Nath said thus:

"In Gujarat, I have had not only marvelous professional experiences, but I have also had the opportunity to experience its unique culture and tradition. From the festival of Uttarayan to the festival of Navaratri, from Rann of Kutch to Gir Somnath, from the lions of the Gir to the birds of the Nalsarovar, Gujarat is truly the land of the legends and the lions. I was slightly concerned about the dietary habits of the state, having heard about extra sweet foods, how mistaken I was. Gujarat is home to thousands of delicacies, while I may not have enjoyed all of them, yet, I have come to know that Gujarat's food is as vibrant as its people. The robust infrastructural development that Gujarat hosts, is what sets it apart from the rest of the Country and it is the true embodiment of the word VIBRANT. Having lived here for almost 2 years, I have realized a direct co-relation between efficiency ... productivity, and infrastructural support. In Gujarat, I received full support from the State Government, I express my sincere gratitude to the State Government of Gujarat."

He also lauded the bar of Gujarat High court as he said that the advocates of the High Court of Gujarat are greatly concerned about the needs of their clients and that they put forth razor-sharp arguments like the Arjuna in the Mahabharata, who could only see the eye of the bird.

Calling them the true social engineers, CJ Nath went to give the following piece of advice to the young lawyers:

"I want to tell the young lawyers that they play a crucial role in the system. Do not wait, the time will never be just right, start where you stand and work with whatever tools you have at your command and better tools will be found as you go along."