To Have A More Civilized India, Judiciary Must Be Strengthened : Allahabad HC Chief Justice Govind Mathur In Farewell Address

Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court Govind Mathur, who is retiring today, said in his farewell speech that a strong judiciary is needed to keep the society civilized.

"Friends, to have a more civilized India, it is our responsibility to strengthen judiciary", Chief Justice Mathur said during a virtual farewell function organized by the Allahabad High Court.

"We are a part of a reputed and respected institution. Millions of Indians are having deep faith in us. It is only the judiciary that can firmly stand for constitutional morality. It is the judiciary which protects the constitutional values. It can be most effective tool to make India the best place for every living being, being the carrier of justice", he said.

CJ Mathur mentioned that as a matter to coincidence, he shares his birth day with Dr BR Ambedkar. He recalled that he first heard Dr Ambedkar's name in 1970. When he was visiting his relative in Maharashtra, he happened to see the picture of Dr Ambedkar at the residence of the house help, who introduced Dr Ambedkar to him as a "god of gareeb".

"Since then he(Dr Ambedkar) is a 'god of gareeb' for me. I cherished his ideals which are reflected in our Constitution", he said.

On Constitutional Values

In his speech lasting for about thirty minutes, Chief Justice Mathur made a brief discussion on constitutional values and constitutional morality. Chief Justice Mathur said that our Constitution takes care of every segment of our multi-class society.

When it(Constitution) refers to sovereignty, socialism, secularism, the echo in the atmosphere is of upliftment of poor, dignity to deprived and equal status to every citizen.

"Our constitutional values are not table creations. These values are the needs notices after several great experiments, long experience and great struggle. These are the constitutional morals which are essential to impart justice.These (constitutional values) are the standards which make a society civilized", he said.

Underscoring the importance of having an independent judiciary, he said that judges must remain free of every influence except law.

On his experience at Allahabad High Court

CJ Mathur said that he had made a request for transfer from his parent High Court Rajasthan HC to Allahabad High Court in 2010 before the then CJI SH Kapadia. It was only in 2017 that he got the transfer to Allahabad.

He said that the Allahabad High Court has "fine traditions" where the judges and lawyers are "most courteous". Allahabad High Court is not just the largest High Court in the country but is also dealing with a great variety of litigations. It is catering to the needs of justice of 1/6th population of the country. Given its huge volume of work and vast territorial jurisdiction, plans and policies made for other courts cannot be simply adopted for Allahabad.

"This court is most criticized for most pendency. No doubt huge pendency exists. But as a Chief Justice, I noticed, disposal of cases in this court and the courts subordinate to is much more higher than any other court in the country. The pendency here is to be compared with influx of cases, variety and volume of work undertaken. Every member of judicial service of Uttar Pradesh must feel proud of their capacity", he said.

Chief Justice Mathur said that the Government of Uttar Pradesh was supportive in helping the judiciary to accomplish its plans. He also personally thanked Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for "always keeping the words given".

"An important chapter of my life is going to be closed...Whether I failed or succeeded, is for all of you to judge. I bow head with reference, I submit myself with reverence to your judgement. Thank you All", CJ Govind Mathur said while concluding his address.

During his tenure as the Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court, CJ Govind Mathur has delivered several judgments upholding civil liberties. Notable among them are the judgments quashing the detention of Dr Kafeel Khan under the National Security Act and the direction given to the UP Government to remove the "name and shame" banners erected at public places showing the names and photographs of persons accused of violence during anti-CAA protests. He was also the author of the judgment ordering enquiry against the police officers for violence in Aligarh Muslim University during anti-CAA protests. During the COVID crisis, his bench had passed suo moto orders for the protection of migrant workers. A detailed article on the notable orders of Chief Justice Govind Mathur may be read here.

Justice Govind Mathur started practice of law at the Rajasthan High Court was appointed as additional judge of Rajasthan High Court on 2nd Sept 2004. He was promoted to permanent judge on 29 May 2006. He was transferred to Allahabad High Court on 21 November 2017.

On 24 October 2018,being the senior most Justice of court, he was appointed as acting Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court.On 10 November 2018, he was appointed as Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court. On 14 November 2018, he took oath as Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court.