'Special Relationship': CJI Surya Kant Hails Delhi HC's Massive Burden
CJI Surya Kant highlights the special bond between the Supreme Court and Delhi High Court during the latter's 60th Foundation Day celebrations.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant has highlighted the unique and indispensable bond between the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court, noting that the latter carries a disproportionate share of the legal burden. Speaking at the 60th Foundation Day Celebration of the Delhi High Court, the CJI emphasized that this relationship transcends mere geographical proximity.
Beyond Being Neighbors
Addressing a gathering of esteemed judges and advocates, CJI Surya Kant remarked that the Supreme Court maintains a special relationship with the Delhi High Court because of the sheer volume of work it handles. He revealed that when matters are mentioned before the Supreme Court, the bench often reminds the counsel that the Delhi High Court is "just around the corner," suggesting the efficiency and accessibility of the High Court in managing legal disputes.
The CJI specifically lauded the court's pioneering spirit, praising its initiatives in the legal field. He pointed out that the Delhi High Court's special Intellectual Property (IP) Division has gained a stellar reputation for the quality of its judgments, both within India and internationally. Furthermore, he commended the establishment of the nation's first court-annexed Arbitration Centre.
Confidence and Character
Adding a touch of lightness and admiration to the event, Supreme Court Justice Vikram Nath shared his reflections on the court's 60-year journey. Drawing from his experience as both a lawyer and a judge, Justice Nath noted that every High Court possesses its own distinct character.
In a candid observation, Justice Nath mentioned that judges from the Delhi High Court often appear more powerful than those of the Supreme Court, attributing this to their "amazing confidence," which they carry with them even after being elevated to the apex court. He also took a moment to appreciate the court's amenities, jokingly stating that the Delhi High Court's canteen serves food better than any other High Court, and perhaps even better than the Supreme Court's own canteen.
A Legacy of Excellence
The event saw the presence of several legal luminaries, including former CJI Sanjeev Khanna, who himself was elevated to the Supreme Court from the Delhi High Court. The celebration also marked the elevation of Justice D K Upadhayay, Justice Manmohan, and Justice Sandeep Sachdeva to the Supreme Court.
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma reinforced the court's prestige, stating that the judgments delivered by the Delhi High Court are celebrated globally. Meanwhile, N Hariharan, President of the Delhi High Court Bar Association, remarked that institutions are not measured by numbers but by their resilience during difficult times. He paid tribute to Justice HR Khanna, one of the founding four judges of the Delhi High Court who later served on the Supreme Court.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The 60th anniversary celebrations were attended by a host of senior judicial figures, including:
- Justice Nithin Wasudeo Sambre, Acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court
- Justice Dinesh Mehta
- Justice Prathiba M Singh
- Justice Navin Chawla
- Justice Ajay Digpaul
- Justice Saurabh Banerjee
- Justice Amit Mahajan
- Justice Amit Sharma