'A True Democrat': Kerala High Court Holds Full Court Reference Ahead Of Chief Justice S Manikumar's Retirement

A full court reference was held on Thursday at the Kerala High Court in honour of Chief Justice S Manikumar who is retiring on 24th April. 

Speaking at the event Chief Justice Manikumar who was formerly a judge of the Madras High Court said "the warmth with which I was received, the affection shown by members of the Bar, the registry, the people of Kerala and my beloved brothers and sisters of this court, made me realise the bond between Kerala and Tamil Nadu". He thanked the judges of the court and the court staff for helping him discharge his duties. 

The senior most judge of the Kerala High Court Justice SV Bhatti who spoke at the reference described him as 'a true democrat in the resolution of issues'. Justice Bhatti while listing an array of achievements of the High Court under the CJ's leadership stated, "it is worthwhile to place on record India Justice Report 2022. The report acknowledges that the Kerala High Court tops the chart in the case clearance rate. The Kerala HC has case clearance rate of 156% as against the all India average of 95%"

Advocate General of Kerala Senior Advocate Gopalakrishna Kurup who spoke at the event praised the Chief Justice for remaining an impartial 'by only remaining loyal to the law'. He also spoke on how the Chief Justice helped create a level playing field for lawyers appearing in his court by treating juniors and seniors alike. Sr. Adv. Kurup also appreciated the CJ's efforts in leading the High Court through the Covid-19 pandemic, with a strategic crisis management plan. The unique case management system that turned Kerala High Court into a paperless court was also developed under his leadership, he said. "Your lordship can demit office with the satisfaction of having led the greatest revolutionary change in the history of this Honourable Court", Sr. Adv Kurup said. 

The Vice President of the Kerala High Court Advocates Association Adv. S Biju also spoke at the event. The reference was held in the Chief Justice's Court and was attended by judges, advocates and staff of the high court. 

Watch the live streaming of the event here.