"My aim was to ensure speedy justice to all, especially downtrodden:" Rajasthan High Court Chief Justice SS Shinde retires

Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court, Justice SS Shinde retired from office on Monday after fourteen years at the bench. .In the farewell reference held at the Rajasthan High Court today evening, Justice Shinde said that his endevaour has been to deliver speedy justice to all, especially the downtrodden. "My endeavour has always been to ensure speedy justice to all, especially downtrodden, underprivileged and weaker sections of the society so that faith and confidence of the public in judiciary is great," he said. Towards that end, he said that he used to hear cases beyond normal working hours, something which could not have been done without the cooperation of the brother judges, Bar and staff members."I used to often sit in court, beyond working hours, sometimes till 8.30 pm or exceptionally till 9 pm. This was only possible with the support and cooperation of my bench partners, members of the bar and my staff members who tirelessly worked to assist me," he stated.Justice Shinde has been in limelight since 2020 when the Division Bench led by him took over the criminal writ petition assignment in Bombay High Court.From 2020 to October 2021, Justice Shinde's bench came to pass orders in petitions filed by various prominent personalities including politicians, activists, and journalists.Born on August 2, 1960, Justice Shinde completed his LLB from Marathwada University at Aurangabad, Maharashtra and then went to do LLM from Pune University and later from Warwick University, United Kingdom.He started law practice as an advocate at the Aurangabad Bench in November 1989. In November 1995, he was appointed assistant government pleader / public prosecutor. Two years later, he was appointed government advocate to represent the State of Maharashtra in Supreme Court.He represented the State of Maharashtra as in-charge government advocate in Supreme Court till his elevation as Additional Judge of the High Court in March 2008 and was later confirmed as permanent judge in March 2010.Justice Shinde, who was one of the senior most judges at the Bombay High Court, was elevated as Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court only in June this year, towards the end of his judicial career.He took oath as Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court on June 21. The farewell reference held today began with Acting Chief Justice MM Shrivastava taking everyone through Justice Shinde's journey and achievements. "His work with legal service authorities helped make justice for many a reality. For 15 years has been champion of justice, maintaining probity of the highest standard. We've been testimony to his hard work across matters and diverse jurisdiction that reflect his understanding of the law with a justice-oriented approach...His utmost humility, sincerity have won him admirers across the country, myself included. Good commitment and hard work, going beyond working hours has been recognised in parliament recently," Justice Shrivastava said. .In his farewell address, Justice Shinde said that he is retiring with utmost satisfaction. "Today after rendering more than 14 years of service to the temple of justice, I will retiring as Chief Justice with utmost satisfaction as whatever I did was for the betterment of the judiciary...Living like a hermit, and working like a horse," he said.He also commended the hospitality of the "gracious people of Rajasthan"."When I came here as Chief Justice, I was extended a warm and affectionate welcome. I was deeply touched and overwhelmed by the humbleness and kindness shown by everyone," he said..He also had words of praise for his parent High Court, the Bombay High Court, expressing his pride at having been able to serve as a judge of the prestigious chartered High Court."Maharashtra has a long history.. It is naturally a beautiful and lively place. Mumbai is fondly called the city of dreams. It is also a city with strong historical links. It is noteworthy that the Bombay High Court enjoys high esteem.. Many multi-talented and versatile personalities practiced law in Bombay High Court at some point or another. It is really a matter of pride for me to appointed as a judge of such a premier institution," he said..He also thanked the registry officials, his staff members and his family."Before concluding I may state here that no person is perfect. I am no exception. I always try to be calm, if at all at any point of time, I was harsh to any advocate, especially a young advocate. I can only say that I did it in the interest of institution. My sincere apology if I have hurt anybody even remotely," he said.