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Synopsis

In an unusual move, retiring Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Pritinker Diwaker, on Tuesday, spoke out against his 2018 transfer from Chhattisgarh High Court, suggesting ill-intentions by the Collegium led by then Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra.

At his farewell function, Chief Justice Diwaker stated, "...the then Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra showered on me some extra affection for the reasons still not known to me which entailed my transfer to Allahabad High Court where I assumed my office on October 3, 2018. My transfer order seems to have been issued with an ill-intention to harass me."

However, he acknowledged that the unexpected turn became positive, as he received immeasurable support from fellow judges and the Bar. He said, "The bane turned into a boon".

Further, while expressing gratitude, he thanked current Chief Justice DY Chandrachud for rectifying the perceived injustice, saying, "I am highly thankful to the present CJI Dr. DY Chandrachud who had rectified the injustice done to me." The recommendation for him to assume the position of Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court came from the Collegium led by Chief Justice Chandrachud.

"Life is the test, not the result. Indeed, the deed decides it. Good work always makes its footprint on the stand of time," Justice Diwaker said.

Born in 1961, Justice Diwaker, a Durgawati University in Jabalpur graduate, was enrolled as a member of the Bar Councill of Madhya Pradesh in 1984 and then served as a judge in both Chhattisgarh and Allahabad High Courts.

During a High Court reference, he addressed the challenges of his Chief Justice tenure, defending the court against criticism and commending Lucknow lawyers for their commendable quality.

Reflecting on his unexpected judgeship, he noted, "I never aspired to be a judge, but destiny seemed to have steered me in that direction."

Justice Diwaker concluded his speech with appreciation for the support received and a sense of duty fulfilled.