“In future, I may have any other authority on this globe but will not have this pious adjudicating authority under the Constitution of India.”- Allahabad High Court bids farewell to Chief Justice Govind Mathur.
On 13th April 2021, the Allahabad HC bid farewell to the Chief Justice Govind Mathur of Allahabad High Court through a virtual meet from his home as he was tested positive of COVID-19 five days prior to his retiring day. “On being tested COVID19 positive, unfortunately I lost my precious last five working days, I am attending this ceremony too from my residence. I am not having the opportunity to sit in Court on my last working day. What can be more unfortunate than this?”
He got nostalgic and talked about his tenure as a judge, “I am fortunate to be chosen for appointment as a Judge of Allahabad High Court and then its Chief Justice. It was the year 2010 when I made a request in writing to the President of India through the then Chief Justice of India, Sri S.H. Kapadia to transfer me from my parent High Court. I reiterated my request and that culminated into my transfer to this Court.”
“On 21st November, 2017, I became Judge of Allahabad High Court, the Court then celebrating its Sesquicentennial year. On 23rd October, 2018, I was appointed as Acting Chief Justice of this Court and on 14th November, 2018 I occupied the office of Chief Justice. From the day first I noticed great warmth and affection for me among the Judges and members of the Bar at Allahabad as well as Lucknow. In this warmth, I find Allahabad as my home, but the truth is that I have to go to my motherland on completing my tenure as a Judge.”- he stated
He further adds on that it has been 3 years and 5 months to this profession and he has earned most cherishable memories serving our beloved country via this platform.
"Each spring, the petals of the flowers blossom, to decorate the barren and the deserted fields.
The butterflies return. The nights are shorten and the days increase.
Life continues to resolve in set cycles.
Behind the stage, time flies past; and as the clock ticks away, suddenly, one day realization dawns, that you have aged, and it is time for you to move on."
Further talking about his fear while leaving the office he says, “While demitting the office, my sole anxiety is that let I be gazed on the scale of my commitment to our constitutional values. Let I be assessed with most strict standards of honesty and integrity. Let I be judged by the eyes of the people demanding justice. If I pass these standards, then only give a space to me in your memory lane.”
Addressing to the fellow judges and members of the Bar he adds,
“It is just a matter of chance that I share my date of birthday with Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. I heard the name of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar first time somewhere in 1970's at Bhusawal, Maharasthra, where my “Bua” used to live. One day in as outhouse, where a maid 'Narmada' was residing, I saw a picture of Dr. Ambedkar, who was introduced to me as a God of Gareeb. Since then he is a God of Gareeb for me. I cherish his ideals which are reflected in our constitution.”
Also that, Our constitutional values are not table creation but are the needs noticed after several experiments and long experience. These are the constitutional morals, which are essential to impart justice. These are the standards that make a society civilized. It is said that it was the judiciary that civilized Europe. In the words of Justice Faisal Arab “take away justice and you take away civilized behaviour from the society”
He further addressed about the COVID situation since last year and how it affected the working of the courts, “In last one year, during pandemic I received unprecedented support of Judges, Lawyers and staff. 18th March, 2020 was the day crucial when a decision was taken to close down judicial functioning to combat the threat of Corona Virus. On 24th April, 2020 nationwide lockdown was applied. During the period of lockdown the Court had special Benches and the work was done through virtual mode. On 8th May, 2020, after consulting Administrative Committee a decision was taken to open the district courts in hybrid manner. From 8th June, 2020 the High Court started its functioning by physical appearance of Lawyers before the Courts. This was an important decision and that was carried out successfully with the help of our Judges. For running Courts physically, I am also thankful to entire staff of the High Court, each and every Officer of the Registry and the members of the Bar at large. I am having no doubt that the Allahabad High Court is capable to address any eventuality to meet the requirements of justice.”
Finally he ended his speech extending his heartfelt gratitude towards his family, and stated,
“An important chapter of my life is going to be closed. My purest regards and thanks to Justice Anil Deo Singh, Former Chief Justice, Rajasthan High Court, who find me a person fit to be recommended for appointment as Judge, Rajasthan High Court. In last about 17 years, I tried to perform my duties to the best of my ability, knowledge and judgment, without fear and favour, affection or illwill. In short, I tried to live up to the solemn oath, that I took on 2nd September, 2004, 21st November, 2017 and 14th November, 2018. Whether I failed or succeeded, is for all of you to judge. I bow head with reverence. I submit myself to your judgment.”
(Check below to read the full farewell speech)