Justice Somashekar was speaking at a farewell function held in his honour in Karnataka, following his transfer to the Manipur High Court as its Chief Justice. He will soon be assuming the new role, having been officially appointed by the central government on May 20.
Karnataka: In a heartfelt farewell speech, Justice Kempaiah Somashekar of the Karnataka High Court emphasised the deeper meaning of the Constitution, stating that it is more than just a legal document—it is both a social contract and a moral compass.
Justice Somashekar was speaking at a farewell function held in his honour in Karnataka, following his transfer to the Manipur High Court as its Chief Justice. He will soon be assuming the new role, having been officially appointed by the central government on May 20.
Reflecting on the responsibilities of a judge and the ideals of justice, Justice Somashekar reaffirmed his dedication to the Indian Constitution and the rule of law.
“I reaffirm my allegiance to the Constitution, rule of law. I seek blessings of almighty, goodwill of all, so I may uphold dignity of my office, maintain sanctity, contribute meaningfully to the justice delivery system in our pluralistic democracy. Let us remind ourselves that the Constitution is not merely a legal document but a social contract and a moral compass. The guiding philosophy is to ensure that justice is not a promise on paper but a reality”, the judge said.
He further explained that the Constitution is the foundation of India’s democracy, and he would continue to uphold its values as he takes on his new role in Manipur.
“As I undertake this constitutional duty, I am mindful of the high expectation placed upon the judiciary to protect the fundamental values of liberty, equality and fraternity. As I prepare to discharge my Constitutional role in High Court of Manipur, I do so with fidelity to principles of judicial independence, directive of equality before law, protection of life and liberty and the vision of justice, social, economic, political,” Justice Somashekar said.
Throughout his speech, Justice Somashekar underlined the importance of making justice a lived reality for the people, rather than just words on paper. He acknowledged the crucial role played by the judiciary in a pluralistic democracy like India.
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Justice K Somashekar began his judicial career as a District and Sessions Judge on June 17, 1998. He was later elevated as an Additional Judge of the Karnataka High Court on November 14, 2016, and became a permanent judge on November 3, 2018.
As he prepares to take charge as the Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court, Justice Somashekar’s words serve as a strong reminder of the judiciary’s role in upholding constitutional values and ensuring justice for all.
Justice Kempaiah Somashekar has had a long and distinguished journey in the legal and judicial field. He started his legal career by enrolling as an advocate on January 27, 1990. He practised mainly in the Mysore and Chamarajanagar districts, dealing with both civil and criminal matters.
On June 17, 1998, Justice Somashekar was directly appointed as a District and Sessions Judge, marking a significant step in his career. Over the years, he served in various important roles within the judicial system. Some of the key posts he held include:
- Additional District and Sessions Judge in Bijapur (now Vijayapura)
- Additional District and Sessions Judge at the City Civil Court, Bangalore
Justice Somashekar also took on key administrative responsibilities in the Karnataka judiciary. He worked as:
- Registrar (Judicial)
- Registrar (Vigilance) at the High Court of Karnataka
His elevation to the High Court came in 2016. He was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Karnataka High Court on November 14, 2016, and later became a Permanent Judge on November 3, 2018.
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