The Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) on Thursday organised a felicitation ceremony in honour of Justice Surya Kant, the 53rd Chief Justice of India, celebrating his distinguished journey from the Bar to the Bench and his contribution to constitutional jurisprudence and judicial administration.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Senior Advocate N. Hariharan, who traced Justice Surya Kant’s remarkable professional trajectory. Recalling his early years in the legal profession, Hariharan noted that Justice Surya Kant began practice in trial courts, went on to become one of the youngest Advocate General at the age of 38 in the year 2000, was designated as a Senior Advocate in 2001, and was elevated as a Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in January 2004. Over more than four decades in the legal profession, he has earned a reputation for integrity, erudition, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
Highlighting the Chief Justice’s judicial legacy, Sr Adv Hariharan referred to landmark decisions delivered by benches headed by or involving Justice Surya Kant, including judgments on the abrogation of Article 370, the striking down of the Electoral Bonds Scheme to strengthen transparency and democratic accountability, and the suspension of the operation of the sedition law, recognising that constitutional freedoms cannot remain subordinate to colonial-era restraints. He described Justice Surya Kant as a living bridge between advocacy and adjudication, embodying the finest traditions of the Indian legal system.
Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, in a reflective and often light-hearted address, praised Justice Surya Kant’s grounded and humane approach to justice. Recalling anecdotes from the Chief Justice’s judicial career, the ASG highlighted instances where disputes were resolved through practical common sense rather than rigid technicalities, describing this as reflective of a deeply rooted understanding of justice. He also spoke of Justice Surya Kant’s modest beginnings, noting that merit and integrity rather than privilege defined his rise.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant described the felicitation not as a personal honour but as a reflection of the enduring relationship between the Bar and the Bench. Emphasising dialogue over formality, the CJI said his address should be seen as a conversation rather than a sermon, noting the need for continuous engagement between judges and lawyers.
Referring to the Delhi High Court Bar Association’s strength of over 47,000 advocates, Justice Surya Kant observed that the DHCBA’s significance lay not merely in its size but in its sustained engagement with institutional reform and its commitment to constitutional values. He acknowledged the Bar’s contributions in shaping discussions on arbitration, mediation, virtual courts, and administrative reforms.
Describing advocates as “translators between law and life,” the CJI noted that litigants approach courts with lived experiences and anxieties that do not always fit neatly into legal categories. It is the advocate’s role, he said, to translate human experiences into legal arguments and, equally, to explain judicial outcomes to litigants in a manner that fosters understanding and acceptance.
The Chief Justice cautioned against practices that undermine public confidence in the justice system, including unnecessary adjournments, lack of clarity in legal submissions, and intemperate advocacy. Addressing young lawyers, he urged patience, rigorous preparation, and a balance between professional zeal and sound judgment.
On court administration, Justice Surya Kant acknowledged concerns relating to pendency, listing practices, registry functioning, infrastructure, and technology. He stressed that administrative reforms are iterative and require informed, constructive participation from the Bar, calling upon advocates to contribute practical suggestions and engage with consultative processes.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Senior Advocate Sachin Puri, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice for honouring the DHCBA with his presence and reaffirmed the Bar’s commitment to living up to the expectations articulated by the Chief Justice during his tenure.