Justice S Muralidhar retires as Orissa High Court Chief Justice; says Justice Akil Kureshi a source of great inspiration

Chief Justice Dr S Muralidhar of the Orissa High Court demitted office today. .A full court farewell reference held this afternoon saw the outgoing Chief Justice express his gratitude to his colleagues at the Orissa High Court and elsewhere for their support in his 17-year journey as judge. .Former Rajasthan High Court Chief Justice, Justice (retired) Akil Kureshi also found a special mention in Chief Justice Muralidhar's speech. Justice Kureshi, who hails from Gujarat, was present for the farwell function in Odisha. ."I must here acknowledge some of my former colleagues who have been a great source of inspiration. One of them, not a former colleague, who has been a great source of inspiration is sitting right in front of me - Chief Justice Akil Kureshi, former Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court," Justice Muralidhar said. Notably, the postings and transfers of Chief Justices Muralidhar and Kureshi has drawn some controversy over the years.Justice Muralidhar was earlier transferred from the Delhi High Court to the High Court of Punjab and Haryana, shortly after he made controversial observations regarding the Delhi Police's handling of 2020 Delhi riots.After his appointment as Orissa High Court's Chief Justice, he was eventually recommended to be appointed as the Chief Justice of Madras High Court. However, this proposal was withdrawn by the Collegium in April this year after the Central government failed to respond to the proposal.Meanwhile, Justice (retired) Akil Kureshi retired from office as the Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court in March last year. In both cases, sections of the Bar objected to the manner in which the two judges were transferred or how the government and the Collegium stalled proposals for their elevation. .Justice Akil Kureshi is not the first Gujarat High Court judge to be overlooked by the Collegium.In his speech today, Chief Justice Muralidhar added that he wished to thank several other High Court judges but noted that it would be a long list. All the same, he mentioned former Chief Justice of the Delhi and Madras High Courts, Justice (retired) AP Shah and former Supreme Court judge and Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court, Justice (retired) Vineet Saran. Justice Muralidhar also said that many of the initiatives rolled out at the Orissa High Court since he took over, were kickstarted by Justice Saran.While speaking on his colleagues at the Orissa High Court, Chief Justice Muralidhar said that it was very hard today to keep emotions in check."In 17 years as a judge, I have several colleagues. I must say, these colleagues in the Orissa High Court have become very dear to me. I salute and thank each of them," he said. .The farewell event saw the participation of other sitting judges of the High Court as well as members of the Bar.Justice Subhasis Talapatra, who is the next senior-most judge of the High Court, commented that Chief Justice Muralidhar deserved only "adulation, adoration and our gratitude.""I wish that he has good health, that he becomes more dynamic in his new area of expertise. We all believe, he will continue to his cause of justice and preservation of Rule of Law ... After all analysis, he is a judge that is empathetic, serving and honest to the core," Justice Talapatra said..Advocate General Ashok Parija and High Court Bar Association President, Senior Advocate DD Nayak were also among those who spoke at the event. "His absence will be sorely felt by both the Bar and his brother and sister judges," Advocate General Parija said..Senior Advocate Nayak's address saw him briefly complain that the Bar expected more from Chief Justice Muralidhar. "Keeping in mind your Lordship's stint and tenure in Delhi High Court, members of the Orissa High Court Bar Association definitely had much more expectations from your Lordship and I must say with a heavy heart, and I may be excused for the same, most of them remain unfulfilled. However, this is not the occasion to disclose and elaborate the same. On behalf of the members of the High Court Bar Association, I wish your Lordship a hearty, happy and meaningful post retirement life," Nayak said..The comment did not go unnoticed by Chief Justice Muralidhar, who quipped in his farewell speech:"When I look at lawyers, I don't see 'High Court lawyers' or 'District Court lawyers' - I see lawyers as a Bar. As an entire, united Bar interested in the progress of the Odisha judiciary. I must say, I have not been disappointed in that, although Mr. Nayak is disappointed and which is why he has chosen to stay online, away from all of us (chuckles). Although, sir, I welcome your spirit in using the hybrid mode to participate in today's function.".Chief Justice Muralidhar proceeded to name and thank various members of his staff, the court's security detail, registry officials and other officials of the High Court."For me and my family, it has been an eye opener in many facets of life and we have come to dearly love the people of Odisha, Odia language, Odia culture, traditions, Odisha's art," he said.On a parting note, he expressed that he was looking forward to the next innings of his life. "I am much looking forward to the next phase. This retirement is not a moment of sadness at all, it is a moment of joy ... It is a moment of celebration, camaraderie, a reaffirmation of friendship, love, trust, hope and faith. Thank you so much. Jai Hind!" he said. .[Read Live Coverage of the Event]