New Delhi, Oct 6 Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, who has been elevated to the Supreme Court, on Tuesday said that as a judge he tried to bind law, justice and compassion together.
Justice Upadhyaya, 61, who was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court on January 21, 2025, said whenever he came across unforeseen situations, he tried to "softly bend" the law towards justice for a deserving litigant.
"As a judge, I have always tried to bind law, justice and compassion together. Like other judges, I came across unforeseen situations when law was not able to ensure a just outcome in the case, and it appeared as isolated injustice.
"In such situations, I tried to softly bend the law towards justice for the deserving litigant, and to be able to do so has been a blessing for me," he said while addressing the gathering at the full court reference organised at the Delhi High Court premises to bid him farewell.
Justice Upadhyaya said he cannot say whether or not he succeeded in imparting justice.
"In fact, I should not even try because it would be an act of deciding my own cause. But I can confidently share that judgeship has given me a great sense of satisfaction, the opportunity to mitigate the sufferings of a litigant, and to be able to fulfil the constitutional promise of justice made to the citizens are the hallmark of a judge," he said.
On September 28, the Supreme Court Collegium recommended elevation of Justice Upadhyaya and on October 5, the government notified his appointment to the apex court.
Besides other judges of the high court and bar members, Justice Upadhyaya's parents and wife also attended the function.
Following Justice Upadhyaya's elevation, Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre has been appointed as the Acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court.
Before coming to the Delhi High Court, Justice Upadhyaya served as a judge of the Allahabad High Court and the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court.
He said it is correct that the Delhi High Court exercises jurisdiction over a smaller territory as compared to Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, and an outsider may think it to be easy to run this institution. But it is not, he said, adding that because the sheer complexity and gravity of causes that this court deals with are unparalleled.
"Today, as I proceed to the Supreme Court of India, I am thankful for the lessons learned during this journey. The lessons shall stay with me and help me in understanding the national causes that come before the Supreme Court.
"To my colleagues on the bench, I not only hold that the Chief Justice is only the first amongst equals, but all along I have endeavoured to practice it," he said.
Justice Upadhyaya said he believes in the goodness of people and has never lost confidence in this virtue of people.
Speaking about Delhi's diversity, Justice Upadhyaya said it is a unique city which is often characterised by its chaos, but becomes home to every person who comes with a mindset of honesty, hard work and industry. "I have been no different," he said.
Bidding goodbye to the high court, Justice Upadhyaya said it felt less like a goodbye and more like an opportunity to thank everyone and seek forgiveness from anyone whom he might have hurt through his words or deeds.
Justice Upadhyaya mainly practised on the civil and constitutional sides at Allahabad High Court. He was appointed as the Chief Standing Counsel of Uttar Pradesh in May 2007 and continued to hold that office till elevation as a judge of the Allahabad High Court in November 2011.
He took oath as a permanent judge of the Allahabad High Court on August 6, 2013. Justice Upadhyaya later took oath as the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court on July 29, 2023. He was then transferred as the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court and took the oath on January 21, 2025.
