LI Network
Published on: 27 July 2023 at 12:55 IST
The Allahabad High Court held a Full Court Farewell led by Chief Justice Pritinker Diwaker, to honor Justice DK Upadhyaya on his departure to become the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court.
Born on 16th June 1965, Justice Upadhyaya graduated in Law from Lucknow University in 1991 and was enrolled as an Advocate on 11th May 1991. He practiced in Civil and Constitutional law at Allahabad High Court, Lucknow. He was elevated as an Additional Judge on 21st November 2011 and took the oath as a Permanent Judge on 6th August 2013.
During the Farewell Reference, Justice Upadhyaya expressed deep gratitude to everyone present and absent for their support, love, and affection throughout his journey in the court since 1991.
He acknowledged the kind words spoken in his appreciation but humbly left the judgment of his accomplishments to those present.
He regarded leaving the court as a task entrusted by the Divine, and whether he fulfilled this task or not, he entrusted the judgment to all present. He reflected on the immense affection and goodwill he received from all corners of the court, from the bar to the bench, during all these years.
Justice Upadhyaya held a deep belief that he owed a debt to society, the nation, the system, and everyone present, which he intended to repay. He shared that throughout his life, he followed the mantra taught by his father, who told him that a lawyer should live like a hermit and work like a horse.
He expressed his admiration for the robustness of the judiciary and emphasized the importance of maintaining credibility, which relies on the faith and trust of the people in the judicial system. He asserted that the independence of the judiciary should be guarded jealously to preserve this trust.
The farewell also allowed Justice Upadhyaya to look back on his early days as a lawyer. He acknowledged the invaluable lessons learned from his father and the etiquettes of being a professional lawyer from senior advocate Shri Muhammad Arif Khan. He praised the mentorship he received from senior advocate Shri SK Kalia, who shaped his career and guided him through the challenges of life.
He shared an anecdote from his time in Shri Kalia’s chambers, which inspired him and taught him the true value of his profession. He expressed his gratitude to all his family members, especially his wife Dr. Poonima Bachbhai, for their unwavering support throughout his journey.
Justice Upadhyaya extended his thanks to all those who had been a part of his professional life, including his private secretaries, bench secretaries, sevaks, driver, personal security officers, and the entire protocol team of the court. He appreciated their unwavering support and cooperation, which allowed him to effectively discharge his duties.
In conclusion, he quoted a verse from Bhagavad Gita, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced state of mind in times of happiness, distress, loss, gain, victory, or defeat.
With a sense of gratitude and wisdom, Justice DK Upadhyaya bid farewell to the Allahabad High Court, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, humility, and commitment to justice.
