Enjoyed journey of 37 years in apex court: CJI Lalit
One-liner: Outgoing Chief Justice of India Uday Umesh Lalit turned nostalgic on Monday as he recalled his journey of nearly 37 years in the SC, saying he enjoyed his stint both as a lawyer and a judge.
Set to retire today: Lalit, who is set to retire today, was speaking as he sat on the ceremonial bench in the SC for the last time with his designated successor Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice Bela M Trivedi on Monday afternoon.
Great feeling: 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 and 16th Chief Justice Yeshwant Vishnu Chandrachud.
On his journey: "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." he said.
Passing on baton: "My journey began from this court and today it ends in the same court. The person before whom I mentioned the matter, he passed on the baton to subsequent Chief Justices," he noted.
Beautiful occasion: "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," Lalit said.
Product of 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," the CJI said.
Unique distinction: 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.
Sense of continuity: The CJI-designate assured him that there would be a sense of continuity in the reforms adopted by him in the apex court.
Deeply indebted: Attorney General R Venkataramani said he is deeply indebted to the CJI and finds it difficult to gather his thoughts.
Successful tenure: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said CJI Lalit has had a successful tenure as a lawyer and an equally successful tenure as a judge.
Remembered for years: Senior advocate K K Venugopal said CJI Lalit's tenure will be remembered for years to come since there were three constitution benches functioning at the same time.
Source: PTI
