Nagpur’s High Court Bar Association celebrated its centenary on April 5, 2024, with a grand three-day event inaugurated by Chief Justice Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud. Distinguished attendees, including Supreme Court Justices, marked this milestone. Former CJI Sharad Bobde recounted a humorous incident on delayed appointments, showcasing the judiciary’s resilience and camaraderie in overcoming challenges.
Nagpur: The High Court Bar Association at the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court embarked on a grand three-day centenary celebration, a momentous occasion marking 100 years of legal excellence and service on April 5th, 2024. The prestigious event was inaugurated by then Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, setting the tone for what promises to be a historic gathering of the country’s legal luminaries.
Among the distinguished attendees were Supreme Court Justices BR Gavai, AS Oka, Prasanna Varale, and Dipankar Datta, whose presence reflected the significance of this milestone.
In a memorable moment during the event, former Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde shared a fascinating anecdote from his tenure, offering a glimpse into the camaraderie and challenges faced by justices.
The Incident
Justice Bobde recounted an incident involving a delay of over two years in appointments from the Bombay High Court. He recalled that the names of Justice AM Khanwilkar, Justice DY Chandrachud, and himself had been pending approval for an extended period. During a conversation with Justice Chandrachud, then an advocate, they expressed their frustration over the delay.
Justice Chandrachud suggested,
“Why don’t we withdraw our consent?”
Both agreed, writing separate letters to the then Chief Justice of India, YK Sabharwal, while humorously deciding to address each other as “Lordship,” assuming they would not become judges.
Justice Bobde visited CJI Sabharwal’s chamber to discuss the matter and inquired about the letters. In a surprising turn, CJI Sabharwal responded,
“I have torn up both letters. Is there anything else?”
This decisive act ensured that both Justice Bobde and Justice Chandrachud went on to serve as Chief Justices of India, highlighting how fate and determination often intertwine in the judiciary.
This centenary celebration is not just an acknowledgment of the past but also a testament to the enduring legacy of the legal fraternity in Nagpur. The event reflects on the profound contributions of the judiciary and the Bar Association in upholding the rule of law and fostering justice.
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