Shimla (Vijyender Sharma)
A full Court Address was held in the High Court of Himachal Pradesh to bid farewell to outgoing Chief Justice Mohammad Rafiq, who demitted the office today. Justice Mohammad Rafiq was born on 25th May, 1960 at Sujangarh in Churu District of Rajasthan. He completed B.Com in 1980, LL.B in 1984 and M.Com in 1986 from University of Rajasthan.
He joined the Bar and practiced as Advocate in the year 1984. He practiced in Rajasthan High Court in almost all branches of law. After practicing 22 years at the Bar, he was appointed as Judge of the Rajasthan High Court on 15th May, 2006. He also worked as Acting Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court twice.
After serving the Rajasthan High Court, for 13 years as Judge, Justice Mohammad Rafiq was appointed as Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court. From there he was transferred to the High Court of Orissa and thereafter to the Madhya Pradesh as Chief Justice. With such vast experience to his credit, Justice Mohammad Rafiq was transferred to High Court of Himachal Pradesh and assumed office of Chief Justice on 14th October, 2021.
The Registrar General Sh. Virender Singh conducted the proceedings.
Chief Justice said that it is gratifying to note that he was able to persuade the State Government to agree for increase in the strength of High Court Judges by four which is likely to be notified shortly. He thanked State Government for agreeing to his suggestion of allotting seven storied building of the Industries department, adjacent to the High Court, looking to the difficulty of the space constraint which might aggravate in future.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Justice Sh. Mohammad Rafiq said that in the life of an institution, no one is permanent and indispensable. People come and go, what is permanent is the Institution. The Judges and Lawyers have identity and command respect in the society only because of great Institution of Judiciary. Addressing young Advocates, he said that there is no short-cut to success, consistent hard work temper with sincerity, integrity and perseverance is the key to success. He advised younger advocates never to compromise on ethics for short term gains to earn easy money. He further said that it is disturbing to note that “Gurukul Parampra” is fast fading.
Further, the Chief Justice said that it is gratifying to note that he was able to persuade the State Government to agree for increase in the strength of High Court Judges by four which is likely to be notified shortly. He thanked State Government for agreeing to his suggestion of allotting seven storied building of the Industries department, adjacent to the High Court, looking to the difficulty of the space constraint which might aggravate in future.
Justice Mohammad Rafiq thanked his wife and other family members who have been a source of strength in the journey of life. He also thanked the officers and officials of the Registry of High Court for their cooperation.
On this occasion, Hon’ble Mrs. Justice Sabina said that being head of this Institution, Chief Justice Mohammad Rafiq has always guided both his colleagues and Bar Members whenever his Lordship’s guidance was needed.
Mrs. Justice Sabina recollected that she participated in the farewell ceremony when Justice Mohammad Rafiq left for Meghalaya High Court as Chief Justice, she got an opportunity to deliver welcome note on his assuming charge as Chief Justice of High Court of H.P. She further said that what else can be coincidence that she was part of this farewell ceremony.
Mrs. Justice Sabina further said that that it was a wonderful opportunity to work with the Chief Justice, who never takes rest and is always concerned about work. His presence has made us realize the importance of work in life. Those who have worked with him and appeared before him can vouch for the fact that he is a man of simplicity and above all a scholar. His commitment to the cause of justice is unparalleled. His positive outlook and friendly attitude have always inspired us. She said that she had the privilege to share bench with him. He does not lose his cool at any point of time and manages to defuse a surcharged situation in the Court room with a nice witty remark. During his short tenure, he has delivered various landmark judgments and has decided five Full Bench References. Justice Sabina wished him a very peaceful, contended and happy life ahead.
Sh. Ashok Sharma, Advocate General, Sh Ajay Kochhar, Chairman, Bar Council of Himachal Pradesh, Sh. Lovneesh Kanwar, President Bar Association, H.P. High Court and Shri Balram Sharma, Assistant Solicitor General of India, also spoke on the occasion and praised the Chief Justice for his contribution to the administration of justice.
Hon'ble Mrs. Justice Sabina, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Vivek Singh Thakur, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ajay Mohan Goel, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sandeep Sharma and Hon'ble Mr. Justice Chander Bhusan Barowalia and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Satyen Vaidya were also present on the occasion.
Among other prominent persons present on the occasion were Justice Sheel Nagru and Justice Sanjay Paul, Senior Judges, M.P. High Court, Justice P. S. Rana, Chairman of Himachal Pradesh Human Rights Commission, former Judges, Justice K.C. Sood and Justice V.K. Sharma. The Registrar General and other Registrars, Central Project Coordinator, Members of High Bar Association and officers and officials of the High Court Registry were present on the occasion.
The Full Court Addresss was followed by Guard of Honour and Red Carpet send off in honour of the outgoing Chief Justice.