"To Stronghold Independence Of Judiciary, I Have Great Expectations From Young Members Of The Bar" Justice Deepak Gupta

The Supreme Court Young Lawyers Forum on Thursday organised a virtual meeting in order to bid farewell to Justice Deepak Gupta, who retired on May 6, 2020. 

Justice Deepak Gupta, who served the Supreme Court as a judge for over three years, had his last working day at the top court on Wednesday. He assumed the office of SC judge on February 15, 2017.

The function was presided over by Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice S. Ravindra Bhat along with Chief Guest Mr. Mukul Rohatgi, Senior Advocate, Former Attorney General of India. Other distinguised guests included Senior Advocates Mr. Aman Lekhi, Mr. U.K Uniyal, Mr. Manoj Swarup and Mr. Vikas Pahwa.

The Webinar lasted for about two hours and included a vote of thanks by Dr. Abhishek Atrey.

Mr. Vikas Bansal, President of the Supreme Court Young Lawyers Forum pointed out that this was indeed a solemn occasion for the entire legal fraternity and called Justice Gupta a "lighthouse" for the future generation and wished him a Happy Birthday.

Various references to imminent judgements passed by Justice Deepak Gupta during his tenure as a Judge were highlighted including Independent Thought V. Union Of India.

Senior Advocate Vikas Pahwa pointed out that this was one of the most significant judgements.

While highlighting Justice Deepak Gupta's multi-dimensional personality and hobbies, various Senior Advocates pointed out how much Justice Gupta enjoyed photography and his love for nature.

Interestingly, during the function, Senior Advocate Aman Lekhi pointed out that even though he respected what Justice Deepak Gupta had to say about striking of sedition laws in a country, he disagreed with that as "the situation in our country is such that it should not be done".

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi reminisced about the days of meeting Justice Deepak Gupta in Simla, where he would head to appear in a case with Senior Advocate Arun Jaitley. 

"I'd like to say, we welcome him back to the bar" - Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi

Justice DY Chandrachud reflected back on the bouts of morning coffee that he shared regularly with Justice Gupta.

"We talked about notions, ideas, issues surrounding our judicial system" - Justice DY Chandrachud

He further emphasised on Justice Gupta's kindness towards juniors and added that he was never a "stuffy" judge and that perhaps, it was the "bracing winds of the hills" that made him that way (Justice Deepak Gupta originally belongs to the State of Himachal Pradesh).

Justice Deepak Gupta finally took the virtual podium and gave a vote of thanks to everyone. 

"You have all floored me with your remarks. I had prepped a speech for youngsters. I would have loved to see some young lawyers here, since this is the Young Lawyers Forum. What I see here is that I am the youngest! I have a special empathy for Junior Lawyers" - Justice Deepak Gupta

He further enunciated notable advice for young advocates, stating that all young lawyers must sit in courts more often and learn "the sheer magic" with which senior members of the bar argue. Justice Gupta also emphasised on the need to allow younger lawyers to argue more in court.

Finally, Justice S. Ravindra Bhat, who could not address the function due to technical glitches pointed out that Justice Deepak Gupta's stand on "free speech" is commendable.

"Democracy is functional as long as its citizens make it functional. His [Justice Gupta's] take on free speech is commendable."

- Justice S. Ravindra Bhat

The meeting ended with a vote of thanks by Mr. Uday Gupta and a group screenshot of everyone present from The Supreme Court Young Lawyers Forum.

Notable Quotes:

"You have to learn court craft and be confident. You can only be confident if you're well-prepared. Know exactly when to dive into independent practice. Don't leave too early and don't leave too soon."

- Justice Deepak Gupta addresses Younger members of the bar.

"I have known Justice Deepak Gupta for over a decade and many aspects of the judicial system got us together. His active participation is very infectious. He thinks out of the box. He has no time for formalities." - Justice S. Ravindra Bhat

"Justice Gupta comes from one of the most beautiful places in the India, Himachal Pradesh. This has emanated into all walks of his life... including his love for nature and his love for the daily morning walks, which he never misses" - Justice DY Chandrachud

"Justice Gupta came, from a small High Court. I dont mean this with any disrespect. But I'd like to say that Justice Gupta did not face any discomfort in the Supreme Court. He took to the SC like a fish takes to water" - Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi

"A bar is the real barometer of the Judge. The bar will have a by and large unanimous views. Dispensation of justice is not easy to crack. This elusive thing that we call justice, think we will all agree with that." - Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi

"Not many people know that your Lordship [Justice Deepak Gupta] has helped very many people to get medical treatment, back in his hometown." - Senior Advocate Vikas Pahwa

"Our judge [Justice Deepak Gupta] is a multi-talented, multi dimensional judge. A keen naturalist and a very keen photographer. He belongs to us, and Justice Deepak Gupta belongs to the Supreme Court" - Senior Advocate Manoj Swarup

"I want to point out his famous quote - "Majoritarianism is an antithesis to democracy" Well, different perspectives but he surely meant that dissent is not ant-national" - Senior Advocate Umakant Uniyal speaking for Justice Deepak Gupta

"I want to disagree with Milord's speech on Sedition where milord had said Sedition should be struck off. I want to say, respectfully that the situation in our country is such that it should not be done. However to actually take a stand, a strong stand by an eminent person is very rare. Milord's holding of the seat is dignified by Milord Justice Deepak Gupta. The mark that he has left will be a sure indicator of how a court like the Supreme Court should conduct itself" - Senior Advocate Aman Lekhi