Justice Najmi Waziri of the Delhi High Court, known for his commitment to justice and the environment, retired on Friday. During his farewell ceremony, he shared his reflections on the nature of justice and the role of institutions. He emphasized that neither justice nor institutions are perfect, and it is through balancing equities at the time of judging that justice is delivered.
Justice Waziri highlighted the importance of listening in the process of deciding cases. He said,
“The process of judging also requires listening to silences. While one may have read the case file thoroughly and formed an initial opinion, yet the decision can be very different after hearing the counsel.”
He further noted that there is no such thing as perfect justice, and institutions are not perfect either. He stated, “It is the balance of equities at the time of judging.” Despite the imperfections, he expressed his faith in the Delhi High Court, saying that it has the finest people and will triumph over all challenges with grit. He added, “Individuals will come and go but this institution shall survive.”
Justice Waziri also spoke about the personal transformation that comes with being a judge.
He said,
“When one becomes a judge, his/her social world narrows but their inner world grows and the mind becomes richer.”
He emphasized the importance of deep reflection, careful consideration, and rational conclusion in penning a judgment.
He also shared his personal journey, recalling how he came to Delhi 43 years ago with nothing but ₹100, some clothes, and bedding. Yet, he said, the city embraced him. He advised young members of the bar to prepare thoroughly and assist the court in simple language.
Justice Waziri is also known for his efforts to increase the green cover in Delhi through various orders requiring litigants to plant trees. He observed that such directions happened collaterally and were more prudent than sending litigants to jail or imposing fines. He said,
“Boond boond se hi saagar banta hain. Each tree which has been planted here will count in the years ahead.”
He concluded his address with a couplet by Sahir Ludhianvi:
“Kal aur aaenge, nagmo ki khilti kaliyan chunne waale, hum se behtar kehne waale, tumse behtar sunne waale.” (Tomorrow more people will come, who pick the blooming buds of songs, who speak better than me, who listen better than you)
Justice Waziri, fondly known as the Green Judge of the Delhi High Court, completed his schooling from Allahabad, graduated with a BA (Hons) Philosophy degree from Delhi’s St Stephen’s College in 1983, and completed LLB from the Campus Law Centre, Delhi University, and LLM from Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Belgium. He enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi in 1987 and was appointed as an additional judge of the High Court of Delhi on April 17, 2013.