Confident that tenure at Madras High Court will aid in duties as Calcutta High Court Judge: Justice TS Sivagnanam

Justice TS Sivagnanam on Monday took charge as a Calcutta High Court judge, following his recent transfer from the Madras High Court. .The oath of office was administered by Calcutta High Court Chief Justice Prakash Shrivastava on Monday afternoon in a ceremony attended by other High Court Judges, members of the Calcutta Bar as well as some members of the Madras Bar. "To realise that I now have an opportunity to serve in one of the finest and most esteemed institutions, the High Court of Calcutta, is by itself an overwhelming feeling", Justice Sivagnanam observed in his address..Justice Sivagnanam was transferred to the Calcutta High Court despite a fervent request made by members of the Revenue Bar Association, Chennai to retain the senior judge at the Madras High Court, in view of his rich experience including in revenue and tax matters. .Justice Sivagnanam made note to touch upon similarities noticed between the chartered Calcutta High Court and the Madras High Court in his address today. Having thanked the leaders of the Calcutta Bar for their welcome, the judge went on to comment:"I am enthused on hearing the leaders of the Bar describing with utmost pride about this great institution and I must mention that I can very well relate to your feelings. This, I presume, would be the common thread that is sure to bond us. As you all know, the Madras High Court, from where I come, is the second-oldest High Court in the country, next to our Court being the first. The Madras Bar has contributed erudite judges and stalwarts to the legal profession. I was nurtured and groomed in a glorious and traditional atmosphere. Having been a judge of the Madras High Court for over twelve years, I have developed a deep understanding of the values of the system and a sense of responsibility about the tradition I carry along.".He further assured the gathering:"I am doubly confident that my tenure as a judge of the Madras High Court will better enable me in the discharge of my duties in this great institution and also my upbringing in the State of Tamil Nadu will help a smooth transition...".In his welcome address, Advocate General SN Mookherjee remarked that many in the Madras Bar were unhappy about Justice Sivagnanam's transfer to the Calcutta High Court. "Your formidable reputation as a Judge precedes you. You have commanded immense respect both as a lawyer and judge at the Madras High Court...A lot of juniors who have appeared with me in litigation in the Madras High Court were very unhappy that you were coming to our High Court. The simple response to that was 'Your loss is our gain'", the AG said. .The ceremony also saw addresses being made by the Additional Solicitor General and representatives of the Bar Library Club, Bar Association and the Incorporated Law Society. .[Read a Live Account of the oath-taking ceremony]