Dr. Ambedkar is God of Gareeb for me: Allahabad High Court bids farewell to Chief Justice Govind Mathur

At a virtual event held today, the Allahabad High Court bid farewell to Chief Justice Govind Mathur..During the event, Chief Justice Mathur expressed regret that he was not able to attend his last few days in Court owing to the fact that he tested positive for COVID-19."On being tested COVID-19 positive, unfortunately I lost my precious last working days. I am attending this ceremony from my residence. I am not having an opportunity to sit in the Court on my last working day. What can be more unfortunate than this?".In his farewell address, he extended thanks to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for keeping his word on the establishment of a National Law University (NLU) at Prayagraj..I am personally thankful to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for always keeping the words which are given. The biggest gift of the government of Uttar Pradesh to this city (Prayagraj) is National Law University at Prayagraj.Chief Justice Govind Mathur.At the beginning of the event, Advocate Shashi Prakash Krishna referred to Justice Mathur's temperament while conducting Court, remarking,"I have never witnessed that your Lordship have ever lost his temper during court proceedings and you always guide the young advocates through out if there is any negligence on their part.".Chief Justice Mathur began his speech with an emotional message."It's time to say goodbye. Goodbye, not to Uttar Pradesh. Goodbye not to Lucknow or Allahabad. It is time to say goodbye to my constitutional adjudicating authority. In future, I may have any other authority on this globe, but will not have this pious adjudicating authority under the Constitution of India.".Pointing to the fact that he shares his birthday with the architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr BR Ambedkar, Justice Mathur said,"It is just a matter of chance that I share my birthday with Bharat Ratna Dr. BR Ambedkar. I heard his name for the first time in 1970. One day, I saw a picture of BR Ambedkar, who was introduced to me as the 'God of Gareeb' and since then he is a God of Gareeb for me. I cherish his ideals, which are reflected in our Constitution." .During his speech, Justice Mathur also placed reliance on the words of Justice Faisal Arab:"Take away justice and you take away civilised behaviour from society.".On the issue of case pendency across Uttar Pradesh, Justice Mathur said that the workload of the subordinate courts and the High Court should also be taken into consideration."This Court is mostly criticized for most pendency. No doubt pendency exists. But as a Chief Justice, disposal of cases in this Court is much more higher than anywhere else. The pendency here is to be compared with influx of cases, looking into the volume and variety of work which is undertaken." .Further, he highlighted the smooth functioning of various courts in the State during the pandemic and appreciated all the staff members and court officers for making this possible. "In last one year, I received unprecedented support from lawyers, staff of the High Court. When national lockdown was announced, everything was closed and later on May 8, 2020 a decision was taken to open the District Court in hybrid manner and later the High Court in June. This shows that courts can work effectively in any circumstances.".He also paid tribute to each and every staff member of the High Court, including his Jamadar (attendant). "I want to thank everyone, including my driver, protocol section officers and even my Jamadar. Also, unfortunately, one of my one Jamadars died last year in an accident. My condolences to his family.".Having lost his parents at a very young age, Justice Mathur gave thanks to the elders of his family who supported him. Referring to his wife, Justice Mathur said,"Whatever shape I have acquired is because of her, and her support to me is precious.".Concluding his speech, Justice Mathur said,"Whether I failed or succeeded, is for all of you to judge...I submit with reverence myself to your judgment. Thank you all.".Chief Justice Govind Mathur demits office on April 14. Justice Sanjay Yadav has been appointed as Acting Chief Justice to perform his duties before a permanent Chief Justice is appointed..[Read an account of the event here]