We will work without fear or favour, says new acting CJ

CHENNAI: He and his fellow judges of the Madras High Court would work without fear or favour, said Justice Munishwar Nath Bhandari, the new acting Chief Justice of the High Court, on Monday. He was speaking at the welcome ceremony held at the High Court premises.

Earlier in the day, Governor RN Ravi administered the oath of office to the new acting Chief Justice Munishwar Nath Bhandari in the presence of Chief Minister MK Stalin, Ministers and High Court judges at the Raj Bhavan.

Addressing the welcome ceremony at the High Court, Justice Bhandari said, “I can assure you that myself and my brother and sister judges would be working without fear or favour. These two words are of great significance – no fear and no favour. If we apply this, we will be serving the temple of justice in a better way,” the new acting Chief Justice said. He added that he would rather let him performance speak. “I will not say much on the occasion; you will see in action,” the ACJ added.

Justice Bhandari said being sworn in as a judge of the Madras High Court on Monday fulfilled his dream of being born in Tamil Nadu. “The State is known for its spirituality and temples. I got a chance to visit many tourist places in Tamil Nadu, which are rich in heritage and culture. I felt that I am in love with the State. I dreamt of being born in the State. After five years, my dream has come true. I am born today to serve the State and the legal fraternity,” he added.

He exhorted the bar and bench to join hands for serving the public and poor litigants better. “The bar and bench are the two wheels of the chariot. They have to go together for smooth administration. Certain issues remain, and they should be addressed. I know no bar association is going to raise something unreasonable. It can be sorted out,” he added.

Advocate General R Shunmugasundaram, Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry president PS Amalraj, Madras High Court Advocates’ Association president G Mohanakrishnan, office-bearers of Madras Bar Association, Madras High Court Women Lawyers’ Association and Lawyers Association welcomed the Acting Chief Justice.

I got a chance to visit many tourist places in Tamil Nadu, which are rich in heritage and culture. I felt that I am in love with the State Justice Munishwar Nath Bhandari