Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma, while bidding farewell to the Delhi High Court on Friday, shared heartfelt thoughts on his journey, his new responsibility at the Calcutta High Court, and the reactions surrounding his transfer.
"I respect the dissent shown by the bar associations of Kolkata. They have their right to express their dissent, and I duly respect and I don't carry anything in my heart and I fully respect whatever they hold,” – Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma
Several bar associations in Calcutta had chosen not to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Justice Sharma. Responding to this, Calcutta High Court Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam had written to the lawyers, urging them to reconsider their stance.
Justice Sharma, who was appointed as a judge of the Delhi High Court in 2022, has previously held various significant positions. He served as the Principal District and Sessions Judge at Patiala House Courts in the New Delhi district. From May 1, 2017, to January 6, 2020, he also served as the Registrar General of the Delhi High Court.
Read also: Delhi HC Grants Partial Relief to Shazia Ilmi in Defamation Case, Fines Her for Suppressing Tweets
In his farewell speech, Justice Sharma spoke with humility, expressing deep gratitude and emotional reflection as he prepared for the transition to his new role at the Calcutta High Court.
“This is one such moment for me, as I stand here today preparing to take up new responsibilities at the Calcutta High Court, I find it difficult to express the range of emotions I feel. It's a moment filled with profound reflection and sincere gratitude.”
Reflecting on his initial years in the judiciary, Justice Sharma noted that those years offered him a true understanding of the legal system. He emphasized that justice is not just about delivering judgments but about actively listening with empathy.
“Justice is not simply about pronouncing orders, it is more about listening. Not just hearing, but truly listening to the stories, struggles, and silence of those who come before us, whether it was a tenant facing eviction or a victim seeking dignity.”
He shared that his time at the Delhi High Court had been incredibly enriching, allowing him to work across various types of cases—criminal, civil, original side, labour, and matrimonial matters.
“I had the opportunity to learn from the Constitution law to commercial disputes, from criminal law to family jurisprudence. Through each of these, I was constantly reminded of the immense trust that citizens place in the judiciary. It is a trust we must never take for granted. It is what makes our role not just important but sacred.”
Justice Sharma stressed that the role of a judge is not limited to applying laws but to apply them with clarity, consciousness, and compassion.
“Law, in its best form, is a bridge between power and people, between rights and remedy, between conflict and resolution, and it is our duty to keep that bridge strong and steady.”
In his concluding message, he offered guidance to the young legal professionals. He advised them to stay fearless and curious while never losing sight of why they entered the legal profession. He also emphasized the importance of humility and politeness.
“Always remember your perseverance will shape the future of the judiciary.”
Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma’s farewell was marked not just by his reflection on legal service, but also his forward-looking attitude, empathy for dissent, and a clear message about the nobility and responsibility of the judiciary.
Read also: SC Questions Delhi Govt Over Withholding Workers' Allowance Due to Non-Aadhaar Linked Bank Accounts