“You will be missed a lot,” was how the Indian Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said his farewell to “Tiger Shah” – Justice MR Shah – who demitted office as a Supreme Court judge on Monday.
DY Chandrachud also quoted Pakistani poet Obaidullah Aleem and said, “Aankh se dur sahi dil se kahan jayega, jaane wale tu hamein yaad bahut ayega (You can be far from our sight, but not from our hearts, we will miss you a lot).”
The Indian chief justice said he calls Justice Shah as “Tiger Shah” for his courage and fighting spirit in his farewell speech.
“Justice Shah’s entry into the collegium on November 9, 2022, coincided with my own appointment as chief justice on that day…. He has been a solid colleague for me in the collegium, full of practical wisdom. He was full of excellent advice which helped us greatly when we made the first seven appointments in a short span of time,” Justice Chandrachud said.
Both judges were on the same bench during the pandemic and heard many cases involving oxygen and other Covid preparations.
The Chief Justice recalled meeting Mr. Shah in 1998 at the Gujarat High Court. He stated that he needed to appear in a case but had forgotten his gown in Mumbai, so Justice Shah arranged for a gown from his junior.
His “wonderful” sense of humor, according to Justice Chandrachud, is correct. “He has been a solid ally in the collegium, and his advice is always the best,” he explained.
An emotional Justice Shah thanked the Bar for the farewell ceremony and stated that he had carried out his duties without fear, favor, or malice.
“I have played my innings very well. I have always followed my conscience. I have always believed in God and karma. I have never expected anything…I always followed the Gita,” he said.
With the retirement of Justice Shah, who was appointed to the Supreme Court on November 2, 2018, the number of judges on the court has been reduced to 32, including the Chief Justice of India. Justice Dinesh Maheshwari had been removed from office the day before.
The Supreme Court has the sanctioned strength of 34 judges.
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