Bilaspur: The High Court of Chhattisgarh on Thursday bid farewell to Hon’ble Shri Justice Ramesh Sinha, who demitted office as Chief Justice after a distinguished tenure marked by a high volume of judicial disposals, development of judicial infrastructure and emphasis on strengthening the institution.
Justice Ramesh Sinha, who took charge as the 15th Chief Justice of the High Court of Chhattisgarh on March 29, 2023, concluded his tenure with 50,228 cases disposed of between March 29, 2023 and September 1, 2026. The figure includes 32,600 matters decided by the Single Bench and 17,628 matters by the Division Bench.
The farewell ceremony was attended by Judges of the High Court, officers and employees of the Registry, members of the Bar, the Advocate General, representatives of the State Government and members of the judicial fraternity.
Justice Sinha: Chief Justice’s role extends beyond disposal of cases
Addressing the gathering, Justice Ramesh Sinha said the responsibilities of a Chief Justice extend beyond judicial administration and disposal of cases. He emphasised institution-building, judicial infrastructure, a dignified working environment and the welfare of Judges, officers and employees.
He said a court is not merely a physical structure but a place where citizens approach the justice system with their hopes, grievances and faith in the rule of law. Judicial infrastructure, therefore, must reflect the dignity of the institution and provide an environment conducive to the effective administration of justice.
Justice Sinha also stressed the importance of ensuring that the legitimate entitlements of Judges, officers and employees are provided without unnecessary delay or difficulty.
He expressed the hope that everyone associated with the High Court would regard it as “my institution”, one that respects their work, recognises their contribution and treats them fairly.
Bar and Bench integral to justice delivery system
The outgoing Chief Justice also underlined the importance of the Bar in the administration of justice.
He observed that the Bench and the Bar are integral parts of the same justice-delivery system and that an independent, strong and dignified Bar is essential for a strong judiciary.
Justice Sinha thanked members of the Bar for their association with the Court and their contribution to the cause of justice. He also expressed gratitude to the Judges of the High Court for their cooperation and praised the officers and employees of the Registry for their dedication and commitment.
He acknowledged the cooperation extended by the State Government, various departments, agencies and district administrations in the development of judicial infrastructure and institutional facilities.
50,228 cases disposed of during tenure
The judicial record of Justice Ramesh Sinha formed a significant part of the tributes paid during the farewell ceremony.
According to the figures presented on the occasion, Justice Sinha disposed of 50,228 matters during his tenure as Chief Justice.
The disposal figures were:
Single Bench: 32,600 cases
Division Bench: 17,628 cases
Total: 50,228 cases
The Advocate General further highlighted that Justice Sinha had disposed of 6,498 matters within approximately seven months, accounting for nearly 22 per cent of the Court’s total disposals during the corresponding period.
More than 369 reported judgments
Justice Sinha’s contribution was not confined to the volume of cases decided. During his tenure, he also contributed significantly to the development of legal jurisprudence through more than 369 reported AFR judgments.
The judgments dealt with important and evolving questions relating to constitutional law, criminal law, arbitration and service law, among other areas.
The Advocate General noted that before assuming office as Chief Justice of the Chhattisgarh High Court, Justice Sinha had delivered approximately 1,34,200 judgments, highlighting his long judicial experience, legal scholarship and commitment to the administration of justice.
Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal pays tribute
In his opening address, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal paid tribute to the outgoing Chief Justice and acknowledged his distinguished judicial career and leadership.
Justice Agrawal said the occasion was more than a formal farewell and provided an opportunity to recognise the contribution of a jurist whose wisdom, integrity, commitment and administrative leadership had strengthened the High Court and contributed to public confidence in the justice-delivery system.
The Advocate General and other speakers also recalled Justice Sinha’s judicial career and institutional contribution, describing his tenure as significant for the High Court of Chhattisgarh.
Focus on long-term institutional development
Justice Sinha, in his farewell address, said he was satisfied that, to the best of his ability, he had contributed to making the institution stronger, more responsive and better prepared for the future.
He referred to the court buildings and other infrastructure developed during his tenure and expressed the hope that these facilities would serve future generations of the judiciary.
He also highlighted residential facilities for members of the judicial institution and improved facilities for the Bar, saying such measures would strengthen the working relationship between the Bench and the Bar.
“Our ultimate responsibility is to leave behind a stronger institution”
A key message of Justice Sinha’s farewell address was the need to preserve institutional values.
He emphasised that institutions survive not merely on the strength of their physical infrastructure but on the strength of values such as fairness, trust, commitment and fidelity to justice.
Addressing Judges, officers and employees, he urged them not to lose faith in the institution and reminded them that they were not merely working in an organisation but serving one of the pillars of constitutional democracy.
He stressed that while an individual office is temporary, the institution must endure.
Justice Sinha said his tenure would be meaningful if he could leave behind an institution “slightly stronger than I found it.”
Judicial fraternity extends best wishes
At the conclusion of his tenure, the Judges of the High Court, Registrar General and Registry officers, officers of the Chhattisgarh State Judicial Academy, members of the Bar, Registry employees and the wider judicial fraternity of Chhattisgarh expressed gratitude for Justice Sinha’s service and leadership.
The High Court extended its wishes to the outgoing Chief Justice for good health, happiness, peace and a fulfilling life ahead.
Justice Ramesh Sinha’s tenure thus comes to an end with a substantial judicial record, including 50,228 case disposals and more than 369 reported AFR judgments, alongside a stated emphasis on judicial infrastructure, institutional welfare and strengthening the foundations of the High Court for the future.
