Precedent to be followed
Your arrival is preceded by a formidable reputation that as Chief Justice of High Court of Tamil Nadu, you were able to reduce the pendency to a large extent by leading and inspiring all the Companion Judges as a team. We are sure that you will be source of inspiration in this Court also.
Change for better
That many a times when someone from other State is appointed as Chief Justice they naturally fine that some procedure are different in this Court from what they were in other Courts. But to change such matters for the sake of change is not going to help the dispensation of justice; instead it may hinder the working. Of course, there can always be change for the better and any such change when made; taking into confidence the Member of the Bar and the Bench is always welcome.)
Continue the reforms
Your experience on the Administrative side is well known and I am sure you will always take care to see that no staff Member will be allowed to develop vested interest. In the State of Tamil Nadu during your stewardship as Acting Chief Justice and as Chief Justice you had given particular attention for the development of infrastructure and reforms in the subordinate Courts and we request you to continue to o so in Karnataka also.
As Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court you have joined the galaxy of eminent Judges. I am sure, in you, we will find a worthy successor.
On behalf of the Karnataka State Bar Council and legal fraternity of the State, I once again extend a warm and cordial welcome.
REPLY BY CHIEF JUSTICE
SRI NAGENDRA KUMAR JAIN
My esteemed brother and sister Judges of the Karnataka High Court, Justice P. Tangavel and Justice A. Kulasekaran, Judges of the Madaras High Court, Shri Jayakumar S. Patil, Chairman of the Karnataka State Bar Council, Shri A.N. Jayaram, Advocate General, Shri K.N. Subba Reddy, President and Office Bearers of the Bangalore Advocates Association, Smt. Bharati Nahesh, President, and Office Bearers of the Federation of Women Lawyers, Member of Bar, Advocates of Madaras and Jaipur, Registrars and other Officers of Madaras and Karnataka High Courts, Members of the District Judiciary, Members of the Staff, Ladies & Gentlemen.
Rich Tradition
With the grace of God, I am here to serve this High Court. I have no words to express my sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India and other Hon’ble Judges of the Supreme Court, other Constitutional functionaries and all concerned for the kindness shown to me. This High Court is also known for its rich and high traditions. As per the traditions of this Court, learned Chairman of the Bar Council, in his Welcome Address, has said good words about me and I thank him and you all for the same.
Changes to be thought of
I recollect my sweet memories and the impression I gained about the eminence, independence and strong reputation of this Bar during my earlier visits to this Garden City for Meetings of Bar Council of India and Executive Council of National Law School, Bangalore, as Member, and thereafter, after becoming a Judge, as Member of the Academic Council of National Law School, Now Almighty has given me an opportunity to work with you all and to discharge my duties as chief Justice. As you all know, the Bench and the Bar are like a single family and belong to the same legal fraternity and without proper co-operation and co-ordination one cannot function, or discharge duties satisfactorily. Every High Court ha its own traditions and procedures to be followed. Of Course, if any change in procedure is necessary for better administration or dispensation of justice, as suggested by the Chairman of the Bar Council, we can think of such changes.
I am happy to say that I ha a very nice time at Chennai and with the co-operation of all concerned worked with satisfaction. I hope that I will get full co-operation of my brother Judges, distinguished Members of the Bar, the District Judiciary, the Registrars and other Officers and the entire staff of this High Court.
Litigants’ Rights Protected
I will try to serve the litigant public and prove worthy of the confidence reposed in me. I pray God to bless me with sufficient strength to discharge the duties for which I have been ordained, to protect the valuable rights of the litigant public and to serve the cause of justice.
Once again I thank you all.
