In a significant development for the judiciary of the hill state, Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta was officially sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court on Saturday. The oath-taking ceremony, a formal and dignified affair, was held at the Raj Bhawan in Dehradun.
A Ceremony Steeped in Judicial Tradition
The constitutional oath was administered by the Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd). The event was witnessed by several dignitaries, reflecting the importance of the occasion. Notable figures in attendance included Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjay Karol, who made a special visit for the ceremony. The sitting judges of the Uttarakhand High Court, Justice Rakesh Thapliyal and Justice Alok Kumar Verma, were also present to extend their support to the new Chief Justice.
The ceremony saw participation from key state functionaries as well. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan graced the event, underscoring the collaborative spirit between the state's executive and judiciary. Senior advocates, bar association members, and other officials from the legal fraternity joined to mark the beginning of Justice Gupta's tenure at the helm of the state's highest court.
The Legal Journey of Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta
Justice Gupta's elevation to the top judicial post in Uttarakhand follows a distinguished career. Prior to this appointment, he served as a judge at the Allahabad High Court. His legal acumen and extensive experience on the bench made him a suitable candidate for the leadership role in Uttarakhand.
The appointment process was set in motion by the Supreme Court Collegium, which recommended his name for the position. This recommendation was formally approved by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. The swearing-in on Saturday was the final step in this process, officially placing Justice Gupta in charge of the Uttarakhand High Court's administration and judicial functions.
Stepping into a New Role of Leadership
With his oath, Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta has assumed one of the most responsible positions in the state's legal framework. The Chief Justice of a High Court plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the judiciary, overseeing case management, and upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law.
His tenure begins at a time when the judiciary is focused on reducing case backlogs and improving access to justice. The legal community in Uttarakhand anticipates that his leadership will guide the High Court towards greater efficiency and public trust. The presence of Supreme Court Justice Sanjay Karol at the ceremony is also seen as a symbol of the higher judiciary's support and confidence in the new Chief Justice.
The event concluded on a note of optimism, with expectations that under Justice Gupta's stewardship, the Uttarakhand High Court will continue to serve as a robust pillar of democracy for the people of the state.
