At his retirement farewell function, Chief Justice Pritinker Diwaker of the Allahabad High Court made a poignant statement regarding his transfer from the Chhattisgarh High Court to the Allahabad High Court in 2018. He described the transfer, orchestrated by the Collegium led by then Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, as “ill-intended” and a move to “harass” him.
“My transfer order seems to have been issued with an ill intention to harass me,”
Justice Diwaker remarked, reflecting on the unexpected turn of events that brought him to the Allahabad High Court.
Despite the initial setback, Justice Diwaker expressed gratitude for the unexpected positive outcome of his transfer. He found immense support and cooperation from his fellow judges and members of the bar, turning what seemed like a bane into a boon.
“However, as fortune would have it, the bane turned into boon for me because I received immeasurable love and support and cooperation from my companion judges as well as from the members of the bar,”
he said.
Justice Diwaker also extended his thanks to the current Chief Justice of India, D Y Chandrachud, acknowledging his role in rectifying the perceived injustice. The Collegium headed by CJI Chandrachud recommended Justice Diwaker to take over as the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court.
“I am highly thankful to the present CJI Dr DY Chandrachud who had rectified injustice done to me,”
Justice Diwaker stated.
Reflecting on his tenure and the challenges faced, Justice Diwaker mentioned his efforts to advance the Allahabad High Court despite limited resources. He emphasized the importance of understanding the court’s workings from within before making external judgments. His journey from a non-academically strong background to a position of judicial prominence was also highlighted, crediting his passion for sports and an insatiable appetite for knowledge as key drivers in his career.
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Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta, while praising Chief Justice Diwaker’s expertise in criminal law, noted his capacity to decide 2-3 criminal appeals daily. He remarked on the lasting impact of Justice Diwaker’s noteworthy judgments and his role as a beacon for aspiring advocates.
Justice Attau Rahman Masoodi, Senior Judge at the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, commended Chief Justice Diwaker for his understanding of humane and psychological values and his belief in sound reasoning and optimum results. He praised the Chief Justice’s initiatives, including the Artificial Intelligence project, and his emphasis on access to justice and outreach to the suffering.
Additional Advocate General Manish Goyal also expressed gratitude to Chief Justice Diwaker for his support to the bar and his efforts in prison reform and societal upliftment.
Chief Justice Pritinker Diwaker’s career, marked by significant transitions and impactful contributions, reflects a journey of resilience and dedication to the judicial system. His tenure at the Allahabad High Court, though initially marred by controversy, ultimately stands as a testament to his commitment to justice and legal reform.
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