Outgoing Chief Justice of India Uday Umesh Lalit turned nostalgic on Monday as he recalled his journey of nearly 37 years in the Supreme Court, saying he enjoyed his stint both as a lawyer and a judge.
CJI Lalit, who is set to retire on November 8, was speaking as he sat on the ceremonial bench in the apex court for the last time with his designated successor Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice Bela M Trivedi this afternoon.
He said it was a great feeling to pass on the baton to the senior-most judge, Justice Chandrachud, as he began his stint in the top court by appearing before his father and16th Chief Justice Yeshwant Vishnu Chandrachud.
"I have spent something like 37 years in this court. My journey in this court began through Court Number 1. I was practising in Bombay and then I came here to mention a case before CJI Y V Chandrachud. "My journey began from this court and today it ends in same court. The person before whom I mentioned matter, he passed on the baton to subsequent Chief Justices. "I now pass the baton to a very distinguished person and the son of that man himself. It is a beautiful occasion for me and I couldn't have asked for anything greater than that," CJI Lalit said.
Referring to forming several Constitution benches, CJI Lalit said it has been a very memorable and satisfactory feeling "to have done something for the Bar". "I am a product of this Bar and at the same time, I have a feeling that I was able to do something for the bar. That is a very great feeling as I will be walking out of this court for the last time," CJI said.
Justice Chandrachud, who is set to take over as India's 50th CJI, said CJI Lalit has the unique distinction of being called to the senior advocateship by this court and then rising to become an SC judge.
The CJI-designate assured him that there would be a sense of continuity in reforms adopted by him in apex court. "I have known Chief Justice for a long time though I opposed him on only one matter," he said, without elaborating. Justice Chandrachud along with Justice Abdul Nazeer recently objected to the selection of Judges through a circular seeking opinions by CJI Lalit. Due to the dissent, the selection of new four judges to the apex court was stopped.
Praising the CJI for his "nuanced understanding of not only the law but of Indian social life," Justice Chandrachud said it has added to the stability of this court. "He has had a great sense of stability in turbulent times. All the best for the future. Thank you for the way you have been," Justice Chandrachud said.
Attorney General R Venkataramani said he is deeply indebted to the CJI and finds it difficult to gather his thoughts while Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said CJI Lalit has had a successful tenure as a lawyer and an equally successful tenure as a judge.