Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, in his Supreme Court farewell, said, “I’ll miss Hindustan,” cherishing the court’s daily glimpse of the nation and heartfelt tributes to his integrity and compassion.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India held a ceremonial bench session to bid an emotional farewell to Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, marking the end of a remarkable judicial career defined by integrity, empathy, and a deep love for the human spirit.
The courtroom was filled with dignitaries, lawyers, and colleagues who came together to celebrate the life and work of a judge who, in the words of many, “always saw the person behind the case.”
ALSO READ: JUSTICE SUDHANSHU DHULIA
Attorney General R. Venkataramani reflected on Justice Dhulia’s unique approach to the bench, noting that while every lawyer hopes for their “day in court,” Justice Dhulia made sure they genuinely experienced it.
“He consistently recognised the human element in every matter. That is how he will be warmly remembered,”
the Attorney General said, acknowledging Justice Dhulia’s judgments.
ALSO READ: Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia Set to Retire on August 9: A Legacy in the Indian Judiciary
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta recalled Justice Dhulia’s deep love for literature, Urdu ghazals, and the cultural richness of Allahabad High Court. He praised the judge’s openness, free from preconceived notions, and his steadfast separation of personal interest from judicial responsibility.
“He created a courtroom atmosphere where everyone felt at ease while presenting arguments,”
Mehta observed, underlining the comfort and respect lawyers felt in his court.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati fondly remembered appearing before Justice Dhulia during his tenure at the Uttarakhand High Court, remarking humorously that he “does not look a day older.” She extended heartfelt thanks to his family for “sparing him for serving the nation.”
Chief Justice B R Gavai paid a moving tribute, situating Justice Dhulia’s career within a legacy shaped by freedom fighters, judges, and educators. Having served in Dehradun, Allahabad, and Lucknow, Justice Dhulia made significant judicial contributions while always valuing diverse perspectives and the needs of the underprivileged.
The CJI highlighted his humility, love for theatre, and thoughtful gestures, such as gifting books on Uttarakhand to colleagues.
“He was an esteemed colleague, respected for legal clarity and compassion,”
the CJI said
In his farewell remarks, Justice Dhulia shared a deeply personal sentiment. When his wife asked what he would miss most, he replied:
“Hindustan, by which I mean all of you.”
He reflected that the Supreme Court, where cases and lawyers arrive from every corner of the nation, offers a daily glimpse of the country’s diversity.
“That is what I will miss most”,
he said
Justice Dhulia Set to Retire on August 9
As Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia is set to retire from the Supreme Court of India on August 9, 2025, the legal fraternity reflects on a distinguished judicial journey that spanned nearly four decades. Though his tenure on the apex court lasted just over three years, his judgments and courtroom conduct left a lasting impression on India’s constitutional landscape.
Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, born in 1960, combined a strong academic foundation with a distinguished legal career. An alumnus of Sainik School, Lucknow, he earned a Master’s in Modern History and an LL.B. from Allahabad University, shaping his nuanced understanding of India’s socio-legal realities.
Beginning practice at the Allahabad High Court in 1986, he specialised in civil, service, and constitutional law. Following Uttarakhand’s creation in 2000, he became its first Chief Standing Counsel, later serving as Additional Advocate General (2003) and being designated Senior Advocate (2004). Appointed a permanent judge of the Uttarakhand High Court in 2008, he went on to become Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court (2021) before joining the Supreme Court in May 2022.
Though his tenure at the apex court was brief, Justice Dhulia earned respect for his clarity, constitutional compassion, and human-centric approach. His judgments reflected empathy for the underrepresented, a commitment to substantive equality, and an ability to make legal reasoning both accessible and impactful. Known for his measured courtroom demeanour, he was widely regarded as not just a judge of the law, but a jurist of the people.
Read Live Coverage:
Click Here to Read Our Reports on Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia
Click Here to Read Our Reports on Justice Retirement
FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES
