Justice Mukta Gupta, who retired from the Delhi High Court recently, has said that throughout her tenure as a judge of this High Court, she has performed her duties independent of any fear, favour, malice or affection.
Though Justice Gupta was to retire on June 27, but since the High Court was set to go for summer vacations from June 3, Friday became her last working day at the Delhi High Court.
She said she was overwhelmed to share her experience of creating a positive impact on the life of people by serving the nation as an advocate and judge.
As per Justice Gupta, she mentioned hearings and decided matters with the best of her abilities, knowledge and judgement.
Terming the Delhi High Court as one of the best in India because of mutual trust and confidence that resided among people, she said she felt great pride to be able to work with people who were no less than brothers and sisters to her.
She expressed gratitude for being part of the legal discussions, as no court could reach a sound decision without the assistance of counsels.
Attributing her success to the love and support of her family, Justice Gupta recalled her father, who was also a lawyer. He, among many other things, taught her to speak right, be honest and have a strong foundation of law. She said her father’s principles, coupled with her mother’s compassion, were the qualities that shaped her.
She also thanked Justice Usha Mehra, former judge of Delhi High Court, for providing the opportunity to work for the welfare of girls in the GB Road. She said this experience changed her outlook towards life.
She said Justice Mehra approached her when the petition for rescue and rehabilitation of girls was pending and no significant development had taken place. Together, they initiated the plan to rescue and rehabilitate those girls.
Through their operation, more than 300 minor girls were rescued and provided medical assistance, counselling, reintegration with their families and also given vocational training. After getting 25 girls married, Justice Gupta said she had the responsibility of having more than one daughter to care for.
However, she said that she would remain part of the institution through her judgements. She mentioned entering the fourth innings of her life, where she would work at a slow place and was looking forward to spending time with her grandchildren.
Justice Gupta concluded her speech by apologising to anyone she hurt in the process. She advised the young professionals to believe in themselves and work hard to earn their place.
Justice Mukta Gupta was appointed as judge of the Delhi High Court on October 23, 2009. She became a permanent judge of the same High Court on May 29, 2014.
She has appeared before this Court as Standing Counsel (Criminal) and Assistant Public Prosecutor from 2001 and 1993, respectively. She was a part of the Bench that delivered judgments on cases such as Priyadarshini Matoo rape and murder case, Jessica Lal murder case and security breach at Red Fort.