Outgoing Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court Arvind Kumar said in his farewell speech that if cases are kept pending for decades, the judges will have to accept the resentment of the citizens.

Justice Arvind Kumar has been elevated to the Supreme Court and would take oath as Judge of the Supreme court of India on Monay. In his farewell speech, he said that the credit for a good judgment should go not only to the judge, but also to the advocates who argue the case well.

He said, “I tried my level best to ensure justice for the citizens and reform the judicial system. I believe that if cases are allowed to languish for decades, the courts will not only have to face the wrath of the public, but will also have to accept justified criticism.”

Addressing a packed court-hall, Justice Kumar said that during his tenure as Chief Justice, a committee of high court judges had monitored the pendency of old cases in district courts and prepared a roadmap to clear them expeditiously.

He said, “A total of 175 cases pending for 30 years were disposed off within 85 days. This was possible because of our continuous monitoring."

Justice Kumar further stated that, “The public wants the dispute resolution process to be easy, speedy and amicable. Stakeholders of commercial disputes also expect that they get justice quickly. There is a need for equality in hearing and protection of the rights of the socially and economically weaker sections. The Bar and Bench must strive hard to keep pace with the socio-economic changes and provide affordable, equitable and speedy justice. This is the need of the hour."