The Delhi High Court bid a heartfelt farewell to Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma as he ascended to the Supreme Court of India, reflecting on his 15-year tenure that spanned various roles and jurisdictions. At the full court farewell reference, Chief Justice Sharma expressed his deep sense of satisfaction derived from his judgeship, stating,
“During my 15 years on the bench, I have been fortunate to have dealt with cases concerning people from all walks of life and from all parts of the society. As a judge, I’ve always tried to spread the wings of my jurisdiction in a manner that the litigant goes back with a relief.”
Chief Justice Sharma’s elevation followed a swift recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium and subsequent clearance by the Union Government. His judicial journey, which began as a judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court in 2008, saw him serving in the Karnataka High Court and as the Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court, before his transfer to the Delhi High Court last year.
Reflecting on his journey and the support he received, Chief Justice Sharma said,
“As I look back today, I have no hesitation in saying that I owe all the milestones in my journey to the kindness and support of those who found me on my way and showed me the right path from time to time.”
He emphasized the consistent goal of delivering justice to litigants and the hallmark of justice being the ability to “alleviate the sufferings of a litigant” and to uphold their rights.
Chief Justice Sharma also acknowledged the sacrifices made by his family, thanking his wife and two sons for enabling him to work to the best of his ability. He extended his gratitude to his colleagues on the bench for their cordial acceptance and support, especially during challenging administrative tasks.
In his parting words, he underscored the importance of the relationship between the bar and the bench, stating,
“Bar and bench must always share a bond of mutual respect as it is important for the ultimate goal of delivery of justice.”
The Supreme Court Collegium had noted Chief Justice Sharma’s seniority and his representation of the Madhya Pradesh High Court as key factors in his elevation. His appointment is expected to enhance the representation of his parent high court in the top court, which currently has only one judge from there.
As Chief Justice Sharma transitions to his new role in the apex court, his farewell from the Delhi High Court is marked by a legacy of commitment to justice and a career that has been a testament to the impact of guidance and support in the legal profession.