On the eve of his Supreme Court elevation, Delhi High Court Chief Justice Manmohan reflected on his judicial journey, emphasizing the need for public trust in the legal system. Sharing personal values and memorable experiences, he expressed gratitude for the Delhi High Court. His commitment to justice and empathy defines his career, marking a new chapter ahead.
New Delhi: On the eve of his elevation to the Supreme Court, Delhi High Court Chief Justice Manmohan shared heartfelt reflections about his decades-long journey in the judiciary, emphasizing the importance of fostering public faith in the legal system.
“While serving on the bench, I have always tried to ensure that public faith in the judicial system is increased. After all, the real efficacy and credibility of a judicial system is measured by the public faith that it enjoys,”
he said.
Justice Manmohan, set to be sworn in as a Supreme Court judge at 10:30 AM on Thursday, addressed a packed courtroom during his farewell reference, recounting his professional journey, personal values, and memorable moments as a judge.
Describing his tenure at the Delhi High Court as both challenging and enriching, Justice Manmohan expressed gratitude for the institution that shaped his career. “Delhi High Court has been a home, a place where I found purpose, passion, and a sense of belonging,” he remarked, adding that the court would always hold a special place in his life.
Justice Manmohan highlighted the transformative power of law, stating,
“I have witnessed the law heal wounds, right wrongs, and restore faith. Administering justice is not just about delivering verdicts but understanding the human stories behind each case, with empathy and compassion.”
Reflecting on his early career, Justice Manmohan credited Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, under whom he trained, for teaching him the value of understanding over sheer reading.
Appointed as an additional judge of the Delhi High Court on March 13, 2008, he became permanent in December 2009 and rose to Chief Justice in September 2024, after serving as Acting Chief Justice for over ten months.
Justice Manmohan noted his contributions to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), an area where his efforts were widely lauded. Acting Chief Justice Designate Vibhu Bakhru praised him as “one of the strongest advocates of dispute resolution through ADR.”
In his address, Justice Manmohan admitted to a mix of emotions, saying,
“It is probably the first time that words are not easy to find. When you’re about to part with an institution where you spent more than three decades of your professional career, it is quite hard to find a starting point.”
He concluded with a poignant touch, reciting Gulzar’s timeless lyrics, “Aane wala pal, jaane wala hai,” which was met with resounding applause.
Born on December 17, 1962, Justice Manmohan graduated in law from Delhi’s Campus Law Centre in 1987. He was designated Senior Advocate by the Delhi High Court in 2003 before joining the bench. His elevation to the Supreme Court follows the Supreme Court Collegium’s recommendation in October 2024 and the Union Government’s approval in December.
Justice Manmohan’s elevation marks a new chapter in his storied career, as he continues his judicial journey with a commitment to justice and public trust.
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