'Transfer To Bihar Was Most Memorable Chapter In My Journey': Chief Justice PV Bajanthri Bids Farewell To Patna High Court

On the occasion of his retirement Patna High Court Chief Justice PV Bajanthri in his farewell speech last week said that his transfer to the high court in 2021 marked a memorable chapter of his judicial journey set upon the "enlightened soil of Bihar" which is the land of Lord Buddha who is a timeless source of wisdom. 

Beginning his farewell address Justice Bajanthri said,"Mahatma Gautam Budhh, Mahavir evam Magadh Samarajya ke mahaan paavan bhoomi ko main pranaam karta hoon…Aur aap sabhi ka aabhar vyakt karta hoon…Aur aaj aapke samne kritagyata ke bhaav se khada hoon...(I bow to Mahatma Gautam Buddha, Mahavira and the great holy land of the Magadha Empire… and express my gratitude to all of you… and today I stand before you with a spirit of gratitude)".

On his transfer to the Patna High Court, the judge said:

"That occasion marked the commencement of a most memorable chapter of my judicial journey, set upon the sacred and enlightened soil of Bihar- the land of Lord Buddha, a timeless source of wisdom and inspiration. In the course of my tenure, I found both comfort and clarity, and was constantly encouraged to strive for greater excellence in the discharge of my duties. My aim was to hear the maximum number of cases and reduce the pendency of the Hon'ble Court".

Justice Bajanthri said that in the span of 10 years 9 months 15 days as a Judge he had disposed more than 40,000 cases approximately.

Recalling his time at the Patna High Court, he said, "From my earliest years as a puisne judge to my present role as Chief Justice, serving this esteemed High Court of our nation has been nothing short of a remarkable and unforgettable honour. I took charge as a Acting Chief Justice of Patna High Court on 29th August 2025 and then took the oath as the Chief Justice of Patna High Court on 21st September 2025. During my tenure of nearly 4 years and 1 month in this august institution, I had the privilege of sharing Bench with as many as 16 Hon'ble Judges. Each one of them, with their distinct outlook and judicial wisdom, enriched my own understanding and contributed immensely to the collective process of decision making. Not only this, all the Hon'ble Judges with whom I shared the Bench, they made tremendous efforts to make me understand Hindi Languages and ultimately bridged the gap between the Bar and the Bench. Together, we have endeavoured to dispense justice in the vast number of matters, touching the lives of countless litigants. This experience, for me has been both humbling and deeply fulfilling and will remain one of the most cherished chapters of my journey". 

He thanked Advocate General P. K. Shahi and his team for his continuous support, dedication, and valuable assistance on behalf of the State Government, the biggest litigant in the Court.

He conveyed his thanks to the Advocate General for his personal interest and sustained efforts in finalising the land for the establishment of the Bihar Judicial Academy. He also extended his gratitude to all other stakeholders for their invaluable contributions and unwavering support in the dispensation of justice.

Addressing young lawyers, the judge said:

"My dear young advocates, the future custodians of our justice system, I implore you to recognize that the true essence of our noble profession transcends not merely legal advocacy. However, it also embodies a solemn commitment to equity and service. Particularly to those emerging from humble means, I earnestly appeal to the senior members of the Bar to extend their mentorship, guidance, and encouragement unreservedly. Let us foster an environment where talent is nourished irrespective of financial circumstances; where knowledge flows freely, and where the scaffolding of support ensures no aspirant is left adrift. In lifting one another, we elevate the very fabric of justice. My message to young advocate is 'Read a judgment daily, embrace technology regularly, grow constantly'. Stay Sharp, Stay Ahead!".

Chief Justice Bajanthri conveyed his gratitude to all distinguished members of the Bar and the Bench adding that collaborating with such erudite and principled jurists in the High Court had been an "enduring honour". 

The judge also thanked his family members, friends, and all dignitaries gracing the occasion, adding that their steadfast support has been a pillar through every challenge and triumph alike.

Bidding adieu to his office as the high court's Chief Justice and from active judicial service, he said that he is leaving with a heart brimming with gratitude to the Bar, the Bench, the dedicated court staff, and all those who, with unseen hands, uphold the edifice of justice. He also expressed his appreciation to the co-operation of his sister and brother judges at both Karnataka High Court and Punjab & Haryana High Court.

He also thanked the Officers of the Registry, Registrar General, PPS, Registrars, his Secretary, Personal Assistants, Stenographers, Court Masters and court staff.

Concluding his address the judge said, "Koi achchhe karam kiye ho, to unhe jaroor yaad karen, Jo bhi bhul-chook hui ho, use kripya maaf karen. (If you have done any good deeds, please remember them; please forgive any mistakes you may have made)".

Justice Bajanthri studied at Vidhyavardhaka Sangha, K.L.E. Society and S.J.R.C. Law College, Bangalore. He enrolled as an advocate in 1990 and practiced in the High Court of Karnataka, Karnataka State Tribunal, Central Administrative Tribunal, and Educational Authorities.

In 1993-94 he appeared as a counsel for Karnataka Public Service Commission, and appointed as a Notary by the Government of India in May 2006, and thereafter was appointed as an Additional Government Advocate for the State of Karnataka in October 2013. He was then appointed as an Additional Judge of the Karnataka High Court on January 2, 2015.

He was transferred to Punjab and Haryana High Court on March 16, 2015 and was repatriated to his parent High Court of Karnataka on November 17, 2018. He was transferred to the Patna High Court in 2021.