CJ Manmohan Bids Farewell To Delhi HC, Says Justice Not Just About Delivering Verdicts But Also About Understanding Human Stories

Chief Justice Manmohan on Wednesday bid farewell to the Delhi High Court after his elevation as a judge to the Supreme Court of India.

In his farewell speech, CJ Manmohan said that administering justice is not just about delivering verdicts but also about understanding human stories behind each case as well as about empathy and compassion.

“I have witnessed the transformative power of law, seen it heal wounds, right wrongs and restore faith. Administering justice is not just about delivering verdicts. It's about understanding the human stories behind each case, about empathy, about compassion,” he said.

CJ Manmohan was appointed Additional Judge of Delhi High Court on March 13, 2008. He was appointed as a Permanent Judge on December 17, 2009. Last year, Justice Manmohan was appointed as the Acting Chief Justice. On September 29, he was appointed as the Chief Justice of Delhi High Court.

It was on November 23 that the Supreme Court Collegium recommended the elevation of Justice Manmohan to the Supreme Court. His appointment was notified by the Central Government on December 03.

Bidding farewell to the Delhi High Court, CJ Manmohan today said,

“When you are about to part with an institution where you have spent more than three decades of your professional career, it is quite hard to find a starting point. As I sit here today, I cannot help but look back my journey in this great profession.”

He said that ever since he joined the bench in 2008, he was acutely aware of the immense responsibility the post represented. The law is not just a set of Rules but a living, breathing entity that guides our society, protects our rights and ensures justice, he said.

The judge also said that justice has been and continues to be his constant endeavor, and while serving on the bench, he has always tried to ensure that public faith in the judicial system is increased.

“After all, the real efficacy and credibility of a judicial system is measured by the public faith that it enjoys. I cannot say whether I have succeeded in achieving the same and honestly that judgment never lies with the judge, but I can say with certainty that I have felt a great sense of satisfaction in serving the cause of justice to the best of my ability,” he said.

The CJ also said that in a judge's life, the most memorable days are those when he manages to bring a smile on the face of a litigant and that the Delhi High Court has given him plenty of such days to cherish for a lifetime.

“In addition to judicial work, this Court has enriched me with immense experience on the administrative side. During the last one year, construction of three additional court complexes have commenced in Karkardooma, Shastri Park and Rohini. Additional court complex at rouse Avenue is likely to commence shortly,” he said.

CJ also added that during the last one year, he was also required to handle some extremely sensitive issues concerning the administration of the Delhi High Court and the district judiciary. He thanked his colleagues for giving him immense support in handling such issues as a Chief Justice.

“I'm filled with a deep sense of gratitude. Delhi High Court has been a home, a place where I found purpose, passion and a sense of belonging. Thank you for being a part of my journey. As I proceed to the Supreme Court, I can confidently say that this Court shall always hold a special place in my life. The experiences and learnings of this court shall continue to guide me in the journey that lies ahead,” he said.

CJ Manmohan also said that while not all decisions are treated as favorable outcomes for the client, but what is important is that the dignity of the court must be maintained at all costs.

“In the life of a judge, a moment often comes when he is not familiar with the roaster assigned to him, and in such moments, the only true guide is the bar. In such moments, the patience of the members of the bar enables a judge to perform at his optimum potential,” he said.

CJ Manmohan ended his speech with the words of Gulzar “Aane waala pal, jaane wala hain. Ho sake toh isme zindagi bitado.”