The judiciary has always been greatly benefited by Justice Hemant Gupta: Chief Justice Lalit

Uday Umesh Lalit, Chief Justice of India (CJI), said Friday that Justice Hemant Gupta of the Supreme Court, who will retire on October 16, was a “great asset” to the institution.

CJI was referring to Justice Gupta as the head of the bench. He said that Justice Gupta has always tried his best to make a contribution to any decision he was asked to make.

Justice Lalit stated, “He has always been a great asset to the institution, and we wish him all good health and good luck and all that he deserves and aspires to achieve,”

Justice Gupta was promoted to the apex court on November 2, 2018. He said that it was an “personally enriching experience” and that all lawyers always assisted him.

“Personallly speaking, I enjoyed my 20-year tenure as a judge. Every day was a learning experience, and I am grateful to all of you for your support in my journey. Justice Gupta thanked the advocates who were there to say goodbye. Justice Gupta’s retirement will reduce the number of judges serving in the highest court to 28 against the 34 sanctioned members, which includes the CJI.

Justice Gupta was a judge at the apex court and delivered many important judgments during his tenure. Justice Gupta ruled in favour of the hijab ban and dismissed all appeals against the March 15 judgment by the Karnataka High Court, which had refused to lift it.
The CJI praised Justice Gupta for his contribution to the judiciary and said that he had first met him about 12-13 years ago and has known him well ever since.

He said, “He is a man that has played the innings using a straight bat, and has tried his best to make a contribution to whatever was asked of him, called upon, to consider, to be the best of his abilities.”

The CJI stated at the beginning, “I must speak.” CJI Lalit will retire on November 8th.

Justice Gupta stated, “Incidentally, my first day in Supreme Court was at the Chief’s Court and my last day there is also in this Court.” Senior advocates Mukul Rohatgi, A M Singhvi and A M Singhvi, wished Justice Gupta all the best on his final day at the apex court.

“On behalf of the bar, we wish your happy and successful second innings …,” Rohatgi.

Justice Gupta was born on October 17, 1957 and became an advocate in July 1980. From 1997 to 1999, he was also an additional advocate general for Punjab.

On July 2, 2002, he was elected as a judge at the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Justice Gupta served as a member of the Computer Committee of the Punjab and Haryana High Court over a period of more than 10 years. This period saw the complete computerization of the high court, including the digitization of all records of judicial documents.

On February 8, 2016, he was elected as Patna High Court judge and acting Chief Justice on October 29, 2016.