Truth is the highest dharma: Chief Justice Vikram Nath bids farewell to Gujarat High Court

Truth is the highest Dharma, Gujarat High Court Chief Justice, Vikram Nath said on Friday as he bid farewell to the High Court after his appointment to the Supreme Court was notified on Thursday.

While addressing the full court and lawyers of the High Court for one final time, CJ Nath highlighted why it is important for judiciary to uphold the trust of people.

"I would just like to say that our institution is based on upholding the trust and as guardians of this institution I would only like to conclude by saying, truth is the highest Dharma.”

He recalled how he was initially apprehensive while beginning his tenure at the Gujarat High Court, though all fears were soon allayed by the instant warmth and acceptance he received from the Bar and the Bench.

"Two years back, when I was to begin my tenure, there were apprehensions in my mind. After all, this is one of the most politically vibrant states in the country. However, all my concerns were laid to rest as I was not only well received by this Court but also the members of the bar as well as my Colleagues."

He also emphasised on the importance of a strong bar and commended the strength and knowledge of the Bar at Gujarat High Court.

"The Bar of the Gujarat High Court is extremely rich and educated, I have benefited a lot from the Senior Advocates at the bar. They are greatly concerned with the welfare of their clients. They have been and will be faithful partners of the judiciary."

Gujarat High Court Advocates’ Association President Yatin Oza in his address told Chief Justice Vikram Nath,

"We have one request, Sir. Please forever say that Gujarat High Court is your parent High Court. In the last two years, the intimacy we have developed is unmatched."

Perhaps, maintaining his allegiance to both his home in Allahabad and to the High Court in Gujarat, CJ Nath said,

"Uttar Pradesh may have been my place of birth (Janam Bhoomi) but Gujarat will remain my place of work (Karam Bhoomi)."

In an emotional moment, he also expressed how he was experiencing mixed feelings about his impending move to the Supreme Court in Delhi.

"Leaving Gujarat and stepping forward on a higher pedestal in my career gives me mixed feelings. Happy, I am that I will adorn the bench of the Supreme Court but also sad that I will leave Gujarat, the State that made me feel at home."

[Read a Live Account of the farewell ceremony]