Delhi High Court bids farewell to Justices Rajiv Shakdher and Suresh Kumar Kait

A farewell reference was held on Tuesday in the Delhi High Court to bid adieu to Justices Rajiv Shakdher and Suresh Kumar Kait as they prepare to assume Chief Justice positions in their respective new assignments.

On September 21, the Central government had notified the appointment of Justice Shakhder as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court and Justice Kait as the Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

In the farewell reference held at Delhi High Court today, Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, soon to be confirmed as the Chief Justice of the High Court, expressed admiration for Justice Shakdher’s initiatives on the administrative side, particularly his role in the advancement of e-filing systems in the Delhi courts.

“As the Chairman of the Information Technology Committee, Justice Shakdar has been instrumental in the introduction of the e-filing systems across all court complexes in Delhi. E-seva Kendra took shape under him,” Justice Manmohan said.

He also lauded Justice Kait for his interpretation of Section 50 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and his advocacy of the concept of reformatory hearing to the accused.

Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma commended Justice Kait’s role in matrimonial jurisprudence, particularly the landmark decision affirming that women can also hold the position of ‘Karta’ in Hindu Undivided Families (HUF).

Sharma concluded his speech by stating, "This is not a farewell; this is a 'fared-well.'"

Justice Shakdher, in his address, reflected on his privileged upbringing and the challenges he faced when entering the legal profession despite his background.

"I went to the best institutions, was not differently-abled, yet it was difficult to break into the profession. However, no matter how unconnected or untrained you may be, if you have the fire in your belly, you can march ahead to your tune," he remarked.

Justice Kait recounted his humble beginnings and expressed his gratitude for the support of his family and staff throughout his career. He acknowledged the role of Dr. BR Ambedkar and his contributions to the Indian Constitution.

“I come from a humble background, and I would not have succeeded without Dr. Ambedkar’s vision,” he said.