'Robe May Rest But Responsibilities Don't': Justice Shalinder Kaur Bids Farewell To Delhi High Court

Justice Shalinder Kaur bid farewell to the Delhi High Court on Wednesday, saying that the robe may rest but the responsibilities don't.

“If I leave behind anything, I hope it is few words written compassion, a few orders passed with conviction and a career defined by hard work and integrity,” the judge said.

Justice Kaur joined the Delhi Judicial Service in 1992 and was promoted to the Delhi Higher Judicial Service in 2003. She was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Delhi High Court on October 20, 2023.

“The journey had taken me to witness different jurisdictions, each bringing with it challenges, lessons, and above all, the privilege of serving people in vulnerable moments,” she said.

In her farewell address, Justice Kaur said that she was trained as a mediator and a trainer, and had successfully completed around 10,000 mediations, including in complex cases, over the period of time.

“There were days when there would be even a tussle between the head and the heart. Each such matter taught me that adjudications travel much beyond in every courtroom. I encountered more litigants. It was their stories and struggles. Throughout my tenure on the bench, I was reminded that the robe we bear bestows an authority which has real life implications,” he said.

She said that over time, she came to understand that the rough patches do not last and are only the chapters and not the complete story.

To the young members of the Bar, the judge urged them to pursue law, not merely as a career, but as a calling.

She suggested young lawyers to be fearless when prepared, adding that the road may test them at times, but if they stay true to the values, the journey will be worthwhile.

She thanked her family, court staff, law researchers and others who supported her in the journey.

Justice Kaur said that she will continue in her own capacity to serve the cause of justice and that she takes away from her journey feeling truly fortunate, not for what she held, but for what she was given, the experiences that shaped her and the relationships that sustained her.

“If there is any wisdom I carry forward, it rests in those lessons. As I take your leave today, I do so not with regret, but with deep reverence. I am grateful beyond measure for the honor of Your presence, affection and support,” Justice Kaur said.

“If I have faltered, it was never for want of sincerity, but perhaps in good faith, if I have succeeded, that credit is shared with all those who stood behind me, besides me. May this court remain forever a temple of justice, guided by compassion, and constitutional morality,” she added.