'Bar Is The Force That Sustains Justice Delivery System': Justice Sanjay Dwivedi Bids Farewell To MP High Court

The Bar is the force that sustains the justice delivery system, said Justice Sanjay Dwivedi of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday (June 30) at his farewell ceremony.

Justice Dwivedi's remark set the tone for a deeply personal reflection on his journey through the law, beginning with the influence of his father, Late B.M. Dwivedi, a lawyer.

"Watching him work with integrity and commitment left a mark on me. It was an example that made me want to try and follow in his footsteps", he recalled, crediting both his parents for laying the foundation of his values. Their unwavering faith, he said, remained his 'guiding light' throughout his life. 

Justice Dwivedi also expressed profound gratitude to the mentors who shaped his legal path. He remembered Justice Deepak Verma as someone whose early guidance gave him direction and confidence. He also paid tribute to late Senior Advocate N.S Kale for his timely support during curcial stages of his life. 

Reflecting further, Justice Dwivedi spoke warmly of Justice J.K Maheshwari referring to him as a source of constant inspiration both before and during his tenure on the bench. "Justice JK Maheshwari has been a constant source of guidance and inspiration, not only during my tenure as a judge but even before that. He has always treated me like a younger brother, and for that, I can express nothing but gratitude. His mentorship has had a profound influence on my professional journey, and I remain deeply thankful for his support", he added. 

Justice Dwivedi also recounted his time at the Advocate General's Office, highlighting his close association with Prashant Singh, then Additional Advocate General, whose camaraderie he deeply valued. He expressed similar appreciation for Senior Advocate Ravish Aggarwal, the Advocate General at the time of his appointment as Deputy Advocate General, crediting him for encouraging him to accept a judgeship. 

Referring to Senior Advocate Ravish Aggarwa, Justice Dwivedi said, "he has been a great friend, steadfast, honest and sincere. Our professional collaboration has been as rewarding as our personal camaraderie, and I value it immensely". 

Justice Dwivedi also extended his gratitude to Justice Hemant Gupta, who not only administered his oath a a judge in 2018 but also played a pivotal role in recommending his name for elevation. "He not only administered the oath but was instrumental in recommending my name for the bench- A gesture of trust and confidence for which I remain sincerely indebted", Justice Dwivedi stated. 

Reflecting on the years spent on the bench, Justice Dwivedi emphasised the human element of every case. "Each case brought before me carried with it a story, a step and a sense of urgency. I tried to serve justice to the best of my understanding and caution", he said. 

Justice Dwivedi also acknowledged Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva for his leadership and presence at the farewell ceremony, as well as his fellow judges for their camaraderie and wisdom. "The journey is made lighter when travelled together, and I shall always cherish the wisdom and friendship I have received in this court", he noted. 

He concluded, "I am grateful to the bar, the Senior Advocates, the younger professionals and all members for your advocacy, cooperation and dedication to the law. You are the force that sustains our justice delivery system."

The event was attended by Judges of the High Court and members of the bar including Advocate General Prashant Singh, Deputy Solicitor General Pushpendra Yadav, Chairman of Bar Council of Madhya Pradesh, Presidents of High Court Bar Association of Jabalpur, Indore and Gwalior and Sanjay Agarwal, President of High Court Advocates' Bar Association also addressed the gathering.

Justice Dwivedi, born in July 1963, hails from Chhattisgarh. He established himself as a distinguished practitioner before the MP High Court, handling a wide range of matters, including civil, criminal and constitutional law. He was appointed as the Deputy Advocate General in 2009. He was elevated to the Bench as Judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on June 19, 2018. From the time of his elevation to 2025, he has disposed of over 32,000 matters.