New Delhi: Supreme Court Judge, Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman, said that there is a legitimate expectation from people to get quality justice from the Supreme Court and therefore merits must predominate in a case. Speaking at his farewell function on Thursday, he also urged the members of the bar to never say no for direct appointment as the top court's judge. "It is their solemn duty, having reaped so much from to profession to give back," said Justice Nariman.
Justice Nariman is only the 5th counsel to have been elevated from a lawyer to a judge. He was also given a Senior Advocate designation at the age of 37 by amending rules which had set the age for senior advocate designation at 45. Nariman, retired after serving seven years of his tenure as a SC judge. Considered an upright judge, Justice Nariman has been a part of some big judgements including striking down of 66A of the IT Act, Triple Talaq, Sabrimala Temple issue, installation of CCTVs in police stations and disallowing Kanwar yatra during COVID-19.
Speaking at the event, Chief Justice N V Ramana said that the institution would be losing a "lion of a judge" today. He said that Justice Nariman could have earned a lot more if he continued practicing and did not take judgeship. CJI highlighted how a judge has to burn midnight oil on the cases. "People have a thinking that judges live in big bungalows, work from 10 to 4 and enjoy holidays. These are false narratives," said CJI.
Justice Nariman while concluding his speech also remembered former Union Minister Arun Jaitley saying that he was exceptionally dignified and outstanding lawyer. After his retirement, the vacancy in top court has increased with the present strength of 25 judges. Due to no consensus over names in the collegium, new appointments have not been made yet.
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