“You’re an inspiration,” Lawyers give warm send-off to Justice S Muralidhar on his last day

Delhi High Court judge Justice S Muralidhar, who on Wednesday questioned the centre, the state government and the Delhi Police’s inability to curb the riots in Delhi that killed 34 people and left more than 200 injured, today said that it was his “last judicial act” during a hearing.

“That was my last judicial act as a judge of this court,” said Justice Muralidhar after he finished pronouncing a judgement in a case.

“You are an inspiration,” said several lawyers during the hearing in the High Court.

The government notification on the transfer of Justice Muralidhar, the third highest judge of the Delhi High Court, was issued around 11 pm on February 26.

The Collegium of the Supreme Court had recommended his transfer on February 12. The Delhi High Court Bar association opposing his transfer in had called for one-day strike on February 20.

“In exercise of the power conferred by clause (1) of Article 222 of the Constitution of India, the President, after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, is pleased to transfer Shri Justice S Muralidhar, Judge of the Delhi High Court, as a Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and to direct him to assume charge of his office in the Punjab and Haryana High Court,” the government notification read.

The court while hearing a petition filed by a social activist Rahul Roy for ensuring the safe passage of injured people in riot-hit areas of North-East Delhi had said, “it cannot let another 1984 to happen in the city not at least under their watch.”

Resuming the hearing at 2:15 pm on Wednesday, of the special sitting of High Court convened at 12:30 am today, the bench of Justices S Muralidhar and Anup Jairam Bhambhani said that this was the time for to reach out to people for support and assistance. “Every victim should be attended by the highest functionary so that they are assured of their safety,” said the bench.

“Keep aside your political differences and make your highest functionary to visit the victims at priority,” added Justice Muralidhar.

Judge Muralidhar had also lambasted the police for not acting during the violence.