"Nandri, Vanakkam:" CJ Sanjib Banerjee pens emotional farewell letter to Madras High Court family

Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee bid farewell to the Madras High Court this morning after his official transfer to the Meghalaya High Court..Justice Banerjee opted out of an official farewell ceremony instead penning a heartfelt letter to his “family at the Madras High Court”..At the very outset, the CJ apologised to his colleagues judges for being unable to last the distance and leaving without saying goodbye in person. Pointing to those who may have been offended by his actions, he stressed that they were not personal but necessary for the institution.“To my colleagues at the Bench: I apologise. First, for being unable to last the distance and second, for not saying goodbye to you in person. Finally, to the few of you who may have felt offended by any of my actions, please know they were never personal: I perceived those actions as necessary for the institution,” the letter said..In his message to the Bar, Justice Banerjee said, “You are among the best in the country..” He thanked them for their kind words and for suffering "a talkative and sometimes grumpy old judge with more patience, respect and understanding than I may have deserved.”.He lauded the efforts of the Registry to better the systems and processes, advising them to continue in their endeavour to bring about transparency and accountability.“My regret is that I could not completely demolish the feudal culture in which you serve”, said Justice Banerjee to all the staff appreciating their cooperation and apologising for the long hours they kept for him..Concluding his farewell message, Justice Banerjee said that he is leaving with the happiest memories.“Ranee and I remain forever indebted to everyone in this beautiful and glorious state we had the privilege of calling our own for the last eleven months and for the kindness and warmth with which we were greeted during the entire tenure,” the letter said ending with "Nandri, Vanakkam". .[Read Letter]