New Delhi: Justice Shalinder Kaur, retiring from the Delhi High Court, delivered an emotional farewell speech reflecting on her three-decade judicial journey. At the full court reference held in her honour, she emphasised compassion in adjudication and dedicated her career to her late father.
The ceremony was attended by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and fellow judges, who lauded her contribution to the Bench and to the Indian judicial system.
‘The Robe We Wear Has Real-Life Implications’
Justice Kaur underlined the responsibility attached to the judicial robe. She reminded colleagues that every decision deeply impacts lives beyond the courtroom.
“The robe we wear bestows an authority with real-life implications,” she said, highlighting the need for empathy in judicial reasoning.
She reflected that cases often created a tussle between the head and the heart, teaching her that every file contained stories and struggles, not just legal points.
Recalling Challenges and Gratitude
Justice Kaur acknowledged the challenges of her role, admitting there were moments when the journey felt heavy. Yet, she noted how memory softened difficulties, leaving behind lessons and milestones.
She expressed gratitude to former Chief Justices Satish Chandra Sharma, Manmohan, Vibhu Bakhru, and present Chief Justice DK Upadhyay for their guidance. She also appreciated the encouragement and cooperation of her colleagues on the Bench.
A Career Dedicated to Family
Her farewell turned emotional as she dedicated her entire judicial career to her late father. She described him as a man of firm resolve, who believed in the strength of his daughters and never saw their gender as a limitation.
She also paid tribute to her mother, acknowledging her sacrifices and constant support, which shaped her path in law and life.
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Judicial Career Spanning Three Decades
Justice Kaur graduated in Political Science from Miranda House in 1985, earned her LL.B. from Campus Law Centre in 1988, and completed an LL.M. from Kurukshetra University.
She joined the Delhi Judicial Service in 1992 and was elevated to the Higher Judicial Service in 2003. Over her career, she presided over criminal trials, civil disputes, matrimonial matters, custody battles, and CBI cases.
She also served as District and Sessions Judge in Shahdara and South-East Delhi, and as Judge In-charge of Mediation Centres.
Promoting Mediation in India
Justice Kaur’s role in promoting mediation was widely acknowledged. She received specialised training in 2005, later becoming a Master Trainer with the Supreme Court’s Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee.
She also completed Training of Trainers with the UK-based Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR), making her instrumental in spreading mediation practices across India.
Legacy of Compassion and Justice
Through her farewell speech, Justice Kaur reminded the legal fraternity that adjudication goes beyond files and arguments. By openly sharing her struggles and philosophy, she left an enduring message of compassion, integrity, and responsibility.
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