No work-life balance in legal profession: Justice Vibhu Bakhru bids farewell to Delhi High Court

There is no work-life balance in the legal profession, outgoing Delhi High Court judge Vibhu Bakhru said on Wednesday.

Addressing his law researchers, he said they have realised that in legal profession, there is only work and that is life.

"My law researchers have learnt that there is no work life balance in this profession. There is only work, and that's life," he said.

Justice Bakhru stressed that he owes deep gratitude to the Delhi High Court for shaping him as a lawyer, a judge and a person.

"I owe a debt of deep gratitude to this court, as it has shaped me as a lawyer, a judge, and as a person. I am grateful to my colleagues, court staff and the vibrant bar of Delhi, each of whom have, in different ways, taught me the values of discipline, courage and compassion," he said.

Justice Bakhru was speaking at the farewell ceremony organised for him by the High Court on his elevation as the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court.

He said that he is carrying a part of the Delhi High Court, its values, its people and legacy with him to Karnataka.

"Delhi High Court will always hold a special place in my heart. To leave is to carry a part of this place with me, its values, its people, its legacy. May this court continue to shine as a beacon of Justice," he said.

Justice Bakhru was born in Nagpur in 1966 and completed his schooling at Delhi Public School, Mathura Road, New Delhi. He pursued a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from Delhi University, graduating in 1987, and qualified as a chartered accountant in 1989.

He later obtained his LLB degree in 1990 and enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi the same year. Justice Bakhru built a legal practice before various forums including the Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, Company Law Board and other tribunals.

He was designated a Senior Advocate in July 2011.

On April 17, 2013, he was appointed as an additional judge of the Delhi High Court before being made a permanent judge on March 18, 2015.

His elevation as Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court was notified by the Central government on July 14.

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