The Delhi High Court witnessed significant changes recently, with Justice Vibhu Bakhru named the Acting Chief Justice following the elevation of Justice Manmohan Singh to the Supreme Court. The appointment became official on the very day Justice Manmohan relinquished his duties, marking the commencement of Justice Bakhru’s new role amid these judicial shifts.
The Union Ministry of Law and Justice issued the notification, confirming Justice Bakhru’s appointment under Article 223 of the Indian Constitution. This provision enables the President to appoint any puisne judge as the acting Chief Justice when the position is vacant or when the current Chief Justice is unable to perform their duties. Justice Bakhru’s formal role began with Justice Manmohan's transition as he took on his new role at India’s apex court.
Justice Vibhu Bakhru, born in Nagpur and educated primarily at institutions in Delhi, brings substantial legal experience to the post. His educational background is grounded not just in law but also commerce, having passed his final Chartered Accountancy examinations and holding degrees from Delhi University. He began his judicial career after years of practicing law, representing diverse clients, including the Union government.
Before his appointment as the Acting Chief Justice, Justice Bakhru held various judicial roles. He was appointed as the Additional Judge of the Delhi High Court on April 17, 2013, and later became a Permanent Judge on March 18, 2015. His career has spanned across key legal areas, including civil and criminal law, and he has been involved with significant tribunals and boards, enhancing his exposure and expertise.
Earlier, Justice Manmohan’s transition to the Supreme Court was announced just hours before Justice Bakhru's appointment. Union Minister for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, shared the news via social media platform X, emphasizing the importance of this elevation following the Supreme Court Collegium's recommendation. This recommendation arose from the Collegium's assessment of the current representation of judges from the Delhi High Court within the Supreme Court, where only one judge had existed prior to this shift.
Justice Manmohan Singh has had a notable career, appointed to the Delhi High Court as early as March 2008 and serving as Chief Justice since September 29. His judicial service has earned him respect and recognition, standing as the senior-most judge of the Delhi High Court and second overall when considering all High Court judges across India. Prior to his judgeship, he practiced extensively in civil, criminal, and constitutional law, serving the Union government as Senior Panel Advocate.
The decision to appoint Justice Manmohan was rooted not only in his legal acumen but also due to his extensive experience and seniority, which the Collegium deemed necessary to bring balance to the Court’s composition. His expertise spans various domains, including taxation, trademark, and service litigation, affecting multiple facets of law.
The shifts within the Delhi High Court are part of broader judicial reforms and appointments being made to strengthen the Indian judiciary. This recent transition is particularly reflective of the government and judiciary's collaborative effort to maintain judicial integrity and operational effectiveness at the highest levels.
Justice Bakhru’s appointment as Acting Chief Justice signifies not just procedural changes but also highlights the importance of continuity within the judicial system. His new role will be under scrutiny as he navigates the responsibilities of leading one of the most pivotal courts of the country.
While these judicial proceedings may seem routine, they are rooted deeply within the framework of India's constitutional governance. These transitions aim to uphold the independence of the judiciary and continue fostering a system where justice prevails efficiently.
Future appointments and decisions will likely be watched closely as the judiciary faces challenges ranging from case backlogs to interpretations of law, reflecting the intricacies of how law interacts with governance and social issues. With Justice Bakhru at the helm, the Delhi High Court is poised to tackle these challenges head-on, steering the court through the nuances of law and administration.
