Allahabad High Court bid farewell to CJ Govind Mathur

PRAYAGRAJ, April 13 (HS): During the event, Chief Justice Mathur expressed regret for not being able to attend his last few days in Court due to a COVID-19 positive test. “I lost my last few working days after being found to be COVID-19 positive. This is a ceremony that I am attending from my home. On my last working day, I will not be able to sit in the Court. What could be more unlucky than this?” He thanked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for holding his word on the establishment of a National Law University (NLU) in Prayagraj in his farewell address.

I am grateful to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for always following through on his promises. National Law University at Prayagraj is the most significant gift from the Uttar Pradesh government to this city (Prayagraj). “I have never witnessed your Lordship ever losing his temper during court proceedings,” Chief Justice Mathur started his speech with an emotional message.

“It’s time to bid farewell. Not to Uttar Pradesh, but farewell. Not to Lucknow or Allahabad, but farewell. It’s time to bid my constitutional adjudicating authority farewell. I might have some other authority on this planet in the future, but under the Indian Constitution, I will not have this pious authority.” “It is only a matter of chance that I share my birthday with Bharat Ratna Dr. BR Ambedkar,” Justice Mathur said, referring to the fact that he shares his birthday with the father of the Indian Constitution, Dr. BR Ambedkar. In 1970, I learned his name for the first time.

I once saw a photograph of BR Ambedkar, who was introduced to me as the ‘God of Gareeb,’ and he has remained a God of Gareeb for me ever since. His principles, which are embodied in our Constitution, are ones I admire.” During his speech, Justice Mathur also quoted Justice Faisal Arab, who said, “Take away justice, and you take away civilised behaviour from society.” On the question of case pending in Uttar Pradesh, Justice Mathur said that the workload of the subordinate courts and the High Court should be considered as well. There is no doubt that pendency exists.

“Over the last year, I’ve received unprecedented support from lawyers and High Court staff. All was shut down when national lockout was declared, and on May 8, 2020, a decision was made to reopen the District Court in a hybrid format, followed by the High Court in June. This demonstrates that courts can function effectively in any situation.”

He also thanked each and every member of the High Court’s staff, including his Jamadar (attendant). “I’d like to express my gratitude to everyone involved, including my driver, protocol section officers, and even my Jamadar. In addition, one of my Jamadars died in a car accident last year. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family.”

Having lost both of his parents at a young age, Justice Mathur expressed gratitude to his family’s elders for their assistance. “Whatever shape I have acquired is because of her, and her support to me is precious,” Justice Mathur said of his wife. Justice Mathur concluded his speech by saying, “It’s up to you to decide whether I succeeded or failed… I respectfully submit myself to your decision. Thank you all so much.” On April 14, Chief Justice Govind Mathur will step down. Acting Chief Justice Sanjay Yadav has been appointed to perform his duties until a permanent Chief Justice is appointed.