JAMMU: A Full Court Reference was held in the Court Room of the Chief Justice at the Jammu Wing of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to bid farewell to Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul, Judge of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, on demitting office upon attaining the age of superannuation.
The Full Court Reference was convened in accordance with the long-standing conventions and institutional traditions of the High Court.
The Reference was attended by Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Justice Sindhu Sharma, Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Justice Sanjay Dhar, Justice Javed Iqbal Wani, Justice Rahul Bharti, Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi, Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal, Justice Rajesh Sekhri, and Justice Mohd. Yousuf Wani, Justice Sanjay Parihar, and Justice Shahzad Azeem along with the spouses of the Judges of the High Court.
The proceedings were also attended by former Chief Justices and former Judges of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh as well as from Delhi High Court; senior officers of the civil administration and police, including the Director General of Police, Jammu & Kashmir, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Secretary, Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs; Inspector Generals of Police, Jammu, as well as Crime, Senior Additional Advocate General; Deputy Solicitors General of India at Jammu and Srinagar; President, Jammu & Kashmir High Court Bar Association, Jammu; Senior Advocates; Principal District and Sessions Judge, Jammu; Judicial Officers; officers of the Registry and family members of Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul. Officers and Officials and large number of Advocates of the High Court from Srinagar Wing joined the proceedings through virtual mode.
The farewell address was delivered by Monika Kohli, Senior Additional Advocate General, who lauded the dedication, judicial acumen and steadfast commitment of Justice Koul to upholding the rule of law. She observed that the tenure of Justice Koul as a Judge of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh was marked by judicial prudence, fairness and a deep sense of justice, with particular emphasis on ensuring access to justice for the poor and the marginalised. She described Justice Koul as a gentleman par excellence and highlighted his positive approach, institutional contributions and respectful conduct towards members of the Bar.
Nirmal Kotwal, President, Jammu & Kashmir High Court Bar Association, Jammu, in his farewell address, commended the distinguished judicial service rendered by Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul and highlighted his unwavering commitment to fairness, justice and constitutional values.
The Chief Justice in his farewell speech observed that retirement marks not an end, but a transition, with a Judge’s bond to the Court enduring through values, judgments and institutional contribution. He acknowledged Justice Koul’s perceptible contribution, quiet humour and commitment to the Bench during his tenure. Emphasis was laid on the unseen sacrifices of judicial life and the vital support of the Judge’s family in enabling such service. Wishing Justice Koul health and fulfillment in the years ahead, the Chief Justice also extended New Year greetings to the entire Bar and Bench.
Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul, in his response, expressed profound gratitude to the Chief Justice, brother and sister Judges, members of the Bar, Judicial Officers, officers of the Registry and court staff for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure. He stated that he was deeply moved by the warmth and affection extended to him and emphasized that effective dispensation of justice is possible only through harmonious cooperation between the Bench and the Bar. He also appreciated the legal acumen, professional competence and commitment of the advocates of the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and placed on record his appreciation for the dedication and assistance of his personal staff.
The proceedings of the Full Court Reference were conducted by M. K. Sharma, Registrar General, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, ensuring the smooth, orderly and dignified conduct of the event.
Upon conclusion of the proceedings, Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul was accorded a Guard of Honour by the security personnel of the High Court as a mark of respect and recognition of his distinguished and meritorious judicial service.
