Jharkhand High Court Bids Farewell To Justice Navneet Kumar, Celebrates 24 Years Of His Service

The Jharkhand High Court yesterday observed a full court farewell reference to bid adieu to Justice Navneet Kumar, who superannuated from service.

During the reference, Chief Justice MS Ramachara Rao acknowledged Justice Navneet Kumar's dedication to the cause of justice. The Chief Justice noted that until 18th March 2025, Justice Kumar had handled 6,531 matters and that his judicial work reflected profound sensitivity towards the needs of marginalised and vulnerable sections of society. “I must say that his endearing persona is what we are all going to miss the most,” the Chief Justice remarked.

Reflecting on his 24-year career in the judiciary, Justice Kumar talked about his decade-long practice as an advocate in the Patna High Court, 21 years in the district judiciary of Jharkhand, and his later tenure at the High Court.

Referencing to the Isha Upanishad, Justice Kumar mentioned that he is reminded that "things of this world are always in flux." He stated that he felt immense pride and satisfaction during this period and reflected on the invaluable memories that he had collected during his stay at the institution. He appreciated the advice and support from his colleagues judges and credited the arguments, pleadings, and thoughts of the Bar for making him a good lawyer.

Justice Navneet Kumar was born on 20th March 1963 in Ara, Bihar. He completed his matriculation from St. John's High School, Ranchi, pursued his Intermediate and Graduation in Physics from St. Xavier's College, Ranchi, and obtained his LL.B. from Campus Law Centre, Delhi University, in 1987. He later completed his LL.M. from Delhi University.

Justice Kumar started his legal practice at the Delhi High Court before moving to the Patna High Court, where he practiced for about 10 years. He joined the Superior Judicial Services in Jharkhand on 22nd December 2001 as Additional Judicial Commissioner, Ranchi. In 2003, he was appointed as the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Governor of Jharkhand. He subsequently served as Additional District and Sessions Judge in Dhanbad, a Senior Faculty Member at the Judicial Academy in Jharkhand, and the Member  Secretary of the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA).

In 2010, Justice Kumar became the Principal Judge of the Family Court in Ranchi, followed by his postings as Principal District and Sessions Judge in Lohardaga and Garhwa. He also served as Principal Secretary to the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court before becoming the Judicial Commissioner of Ranchi. He was elevated as a Judge of the Jharkhand High Court on 8th October 2021.

Click Here To Watch Full Court Farewell Reference of Justice Navneet Kumar