Today(24th Sept), The Delhi High Court bid farewell to Justices Rajiv Shakdher and Suresh Kumar Kait, who will become Chief Justices in Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, respectively. Acting Chief Justice Manmohan lauded Justice Shakdher for his initiatives in improving e-filing systems.
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NEW DELHI: Today(24th Sept), In a ceremonial farewell held at the Delhi High Court, the judiciary gathered to honor and bid adieu to Justices Rajiv Shakdher and Suresh Kumar Kait as they prepare to take on new responsibilities as Chief Justices.
Justice Rajiv Shakdher has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, while Justice Suresh Kumar Kait will soon assume office as the Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The appointments were formally notified by the Central government on September 21, marking a significant milestone in their distinguished careers.
The farewell reference, organized in the presence of prominent members of the judiciary and legal fraternity, celebrated the contributions of both judges to the legal landscape of India. Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, who is expected to soon be confirmed as the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, took the opportunity to praise the work and accomplishments of both Justice Shakdher and Justice Kait during their tenures at the Delhi High Court.
Justice Rajiv Shakdher, known for his progressive vision and reformative approach, received high praise for his pioneering initiatives on the administrative side of the court. Acting Chief Justice Manmohan particularly highlighted Justice Shakdher’s instrumental role in advancing the digital infrastructure within the Delhi courts, especially through the introduction of the e-filing system.
“As the Chairman of the Information Technology Committee, Justice Shakdar has played a key role in implementing e-filing systems in all court complexes in Delhi. The E-seva Kendra was established under him.”
-Justice Manmohan emphasized, noting how Justice Shakdher’s contributions helped modernize the judiciary and improve accessibility for all.
Under Justice Shakdher’s guidance, the e-filing system, which enables the digital submission of legal documents, significantly streamlined court processes, making them more efficient and transparent. This innovation was particularly vital in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated remote functioning of courts. The implementation of e-filing ensured that legal proceedings could continue without major disruptions, reinforcing the Delhi judiciary’s commitment to technological advancement.
In addition to Justice Shakdher’s accomplishments, Justice Suresh Kumar Kait was also lauded for his remarkable contributions to legal interpretation and reforms. One of his most notable achievements was his work in interpreting Section 50 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. His judgments in this area have had a lasting impact on the enforcement and understanding of drug laws in India. Justice Manmohan also commended Justice Kait for his advocacy of reformatory hearings, which focus on the rehabilitation of the accused rather than solely on punitive measures.
Justice Kait’s approach to law has always been characterized by a deep sense of fairness and empathy, which has earned him widespread respect within the legal community. His rulings, particularly in sensitive cases, have often reflected his belief in justice tempered with humanity.
In his farewell address, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma paid tribute to Justice Kait’s groundbreaking work in matrimonial jurisprudence. He specifically highlighted a landmark ruling in which Justice Kait affirmed that women have the right to hold the position of ‘Karta’ in Hindu Undivided Families (HUF). This decision marked a significant step forward in the fight for gender equality within India’s legal framework and was widely celebrated for challenging patriarchal norms.
Sharma, reflecting on Justice Kait’s far-reaching influence, remarked-
“This is not a farewell; this is a ‘fared-well.'”
His words captured the essence of the occasion—a celebration of accomplishments rather than an end, with both justices continuing their journey in the higher judiciary.
In his farewell speech, Justice Rajiv Shakdher spoke candidly about his privileged upbringing and the challenges he encountered in his early legal career. Despite having access to some of the best educational institutions, he shared that breaking into the legal profession was not easy.
“I attended prestigious institutions and was not differently-abled, yet breaking into the profession was challenging. However, regardless of how disconnected or untrained you might feel, if you have the passion and determination, you can forge your own path.”
-he remarked.
Justice Shakdher’s reflection offered inspiration to many young lawyers who may face similar challenges in establishing their careers. His words underscored the importance of perseverance and dedication in achieving professional success, regardless of one’s background or initial difficulties.
Justice Suresh Kumar Kait, in his address, took the opportunity to express his gratitude to those who supported him throughout his career, especially his family and staff. He also acknowledged the profound influence of Dr. BR Ambedkar on his life and career, highlighting the role of Ambedkar’s vision in shaping India’s Constitution and legal system.
“I come from a humble background, and I would not have succeeded without Dr. Ambedkar’s vision,”
– he stated.
Justice Kait’s acknowledgment of Ambedkar’s contributions to the empowerment of marginalized communities resonated deeply with the audience. His words were a testament to the transformative power of education and the importance of providing equal opportunities to all.
As Justices Rajiv Shakdher and Suresh Kumar Kait prepare to embark on the next chapter of their judicial careers, they leave behind a legacy of judicial innovation, reform, and a commitment to justice. Their contributions to the Delhi High Court have not only shaped the present but will continue to influence future generations of legal professionals. With Justice Shakdher set to take on his new role as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court and Justice Kait assuming his position as Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, their influence is expected to expand even further.
The farewell ceremony was not just an occasion to honor their past achievements but also a celebration of the promising future that lies ahead for both justices.
As Acting Chief Justice Manmohan remarked-
“Their contributions here have made a significant impression, and they are sure to have a lasting impact in their new roles.”