Justice Ganju Sworn In at Karnataka High Court After Emotional Delhi Farewell

BENGALURU/NEW DELHI – In a significant judicial transition, Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju was formally sworn in as a Judge of the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday. The oath of office was administered by Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru in a ceremony that marked a new chapter for both Justice Ganju and the state's judiciary. Her move from the Delhi High Court follows an emotional farewell ceremony where colleagues and members of the Bar acknowledged her contributions and expressed unease over the transfer.

The transfer, recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium on August 27 and notified by the Central Government on October 14, was part of a broader reshuffle involving 14 judges across various High Courts. Justice Ganju, who was appointed as a Judge of the Delhi High Court on May 18, 2022, now brings her diverse legal expertise to Bengaluru.

A New Beginning in Karnataka

At the swearing-in ceremony in Bengaluru, Justice Ganju was warmly welcomed by the legal fraternity. She began her address with a traditional Kannada greeting, "Ellarigu Namaskara," a gesture that was well-received.

Expressing her commitment to her new role, she stated, "Transitioning to a new court and a new city marked not just a change of place but a renewed sense of duty. The reputation of the Karnataka High Court for its legal scholarship, judicial independence and rich legacy is both inspiring and humbling. I approach this new responsibility with a resolve to contribute meaningfully to this great institution."

Justice Ganju pledged to uphold the core principles of the judiciary, looking forward to serving "with fairness, diligence, and independence, values that form the cornerstone of our judicial system."

The Chairman of the Karnataka State Bar Council, Mittalakod Shidlingappa Shekharappa, assured her of the Bar's full cooperation in her "endeavor to dispense justice as a champion of law and equity." With her extensive experience in civil, commercial, and intellectual property law, her tenure is anticipated to further strengthen the Karnataka High Court's distinguished reputation.

An Emotional Farewell from Delhi

The transition was preceded by a poignant farewell at the Delhi High Court, where Justice Ganju served alongside Justice Arun Monga, who was transferred to the Rajasthan High Court. The full court reference was marked by heartfelt speeches and a palpable sense of loss, particularly from the Bar.

In her farewell address, Justice Ganju described the moment as emotionally charged, noting that saying goodbye to the institution that shaped her career "stirs deep emotions." She reflected on her journey, stating, "Truly, this Court has taught me all that I know about the law, about fairness, about the profound responsibility that comes with judging others. It has been my greatest teacher."

The ceremony took a deeply personal turn when Justice Ganju, noticing her daughter in tears, paused her speech to comfort her, saying, "If you cry, I will cry," a moment that highlighted the human aspect of judicial life.

Addressing Judicial Philosophy and Work Ethic

Justice Ganju used her farewell speech to articulate her judicial philosophy and address perceptions of her demanding work schedule. She defined the judiciary's role as a "guardian of constitutional promise" and emphasized that public confidence, preserved through "integrity, independence and transparency," is the institution's greatest strength.

In a candid acknowledgment of the rigors of the job, she addressed criticism she had faced for working long hours. "I am conscious that working late into the night or over weekends has at times invited criticism or misunderstanding, yet I have never regarded diligence as a fault," she stated. "The demands of justice do not always keep to the clock, and our foremost duty must remain to the nation and to the litigants who seek relief from us. Personal comfort or even the prospect of disapproval, cannot outweigh the obligation we owe to the cause of justice."

This powerful statement was seen as a testament to her unwavering commitment, a quality for which she was lauded by Delhi High Court Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya. He described her as being known for her "commitment to speedy disposal of cases" and her ability to grasp the core issues in any matter before her.

The Bar's Protest and the Chief Justice's Acknowledgment

Justice Ganju's transfer was not without controversy. The Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) and other lawyers had voiced strong opposition, writing to the Chief Justice of India to request a reconsideration of the Collegium's recommendation. They praised her fairness, humility, and unwavering commitment to justice.

In a notable moment during the farewell, Chief Justice Upadhyaya directly addressed this sentiment. "Let me first of all state before you that I respect the sentiments of members of the Bar on the transfer of our colleagues from this court... I join the Bar in their sentiment expressed through the president today," he said, acknowledging the unease within the legal community. This official recognition of the Bar's angst underscored the deep respect Justice Ganju had earned during her relatively short tenure on the Delhi High Court bench.

Ending her emotional speech, Justice Ganju drew inspiration from the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, quoting her philosophy "to fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you." She concluded with a hopeful note, telling her colleagues and the Bar, "Every ending carries the promise of return. It is not a goodbye, a pause, not a conclusion. Until we see each other again."