Delhi HC Bar Honours Justice DK Sharma As He Moves To Calcutta HC

Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma recently bid farewell to the Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) during a heartfelt event, expressing both nostalgia and excitement about his new role at the Calcutta High Court.

His transfer, recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium and approved by the Central Government, marks a significant milestone in his judicial career.

Reflection & Gratitude

During his farewell speech, Justice Sharma shared a mix of emotions, describing the past week as feeling like life had sped up. Reflecting on his 37-year journey in the legal profession, he spoke of his unwavering faith in destiny and the transformative role of the Bar in shaping his path.

He expressed deep gratitude for the support he received from the legal fraternity, acknowledging the critical role of both young and senior members of the Bar in advancing the judiciary. Highlighting the collaborative spirit of the legal community, he recalled his time as Registrar General, where he navigated complex challenges with the collective efforts of his peers.

One of the most memorable phases of his tenure was the COVID-19 crisis, during which he credited the Bar’s support as pivotal in helping the judiciary adapt to unprecedented circumstances. His interactions with legal professionals, he noted, had not only influenced his judgments but also shaped him as an individual.

Justice’s Reaction

Justice Sharma expressed his honor and privilege at being appointed to the Calcutta High Court, looking forward to working closely with the local Bar to strengthen the judicial system. His commitment to justice and legal integrity remains steadfast as he embarks on this new chapter.

The farewell event was graced by Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and DHCBA President, Senior Advocate N. Harisharan. Both leaders lauded Justice Sharma’s contributions to the judiciary, praising his dedication, leadership, and service.

Controversy Surrounds His Transfer

However, Justice Sharma’s transfer has not been without controversy. Following his move, the Incorporated Law Society of Calcutta, Bar Library Club, and the High Court Bar Association submitted a joint representation to the Chief Justice of India. They raised concerns over his appointment, arguing that the Calcutta High Court deserved a judge with a “clean image” and a longer tenure. Allegations reportedly pending against him since October 2024 were cited as grounds for their apprehensions.

Despite these objections, the President of the Calcutta High Court Bar Association distanced himself from calls by some Kolkata bar associations to boycott Justice Sharma’s swearing-in ceremony, signaling a more measured response within the legal community.

Landmark Decision By Collegium

The Central Government, through the Ministry of Law and Justice, formally approved the Supreme Court Collegium’s recommendation on Tuesday. This marks the third instance of a Delhi High Court judge being reassigned to another high court, reflecting the dynamic nature of judicial appointments in India.

As Justice Sharma steps into his new role, the legal fraternity watches closely, hopeful for his continued contributions to the judiciary in Calcutta.

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