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Justice Manmohan's elevation to the Supreme Court marks the culmination of an extraordinary career at the Delhi High Court, where he served as the longest-serving judge in its history. His tenure, spanning an impressive 6,142 days, was not only remarkable for its length but also for its significant impact on the city's governance and infrastructure. His appointment, effective from the date he assumes charge, brings the Supreme Court's judge count to 33, one short of its sanctioned strength. This elevation is particularly noteworthy given that he is only the second person in 37 years to be appointed as Delhi Chief Justice from his parent High Court, highlighting the rarity of such appointments. His legacy extends beyond mere longevity; it’s defined by his proactive and often critical approach to addressing pressing issues plaguing the city of Delhi.
Throughout his time as Chief Justice, Justice Manmohan consistently highlighted two major concerns: the friction between Delhi's ministers and departmental officers, and the pervasive 'culture of freebies'. This latter point was repeatedly emphasized in his rulings and observations. This criticism extended across a wide range of issues, from the overhaul of government hospitals and stormwater drains to the removal of encroachments near the Nizamuddin Dargah, the mutation of urban villages, and the tackling of stray dog and monkey menace. His actions reflected a determined effort to hold the administration accountable. A striking example of this was his authorization of Rs 5 crore in funds for textbooks and uniforms for students, bypassing the stalled MCD standing committee, a testament to his commitment to ensuring timely services despite bureaucratic hurdles. His rulings weren’t solely focused on immediate solutions, but also addressed the underlying systemic problems contributing to these issues. He repeatedly emphasized the need for a fundamental change in the mindset of Delhi's administrators, specifically concerning the unsustainable expectation of 'free' services and its impact on the availability of funds for essential improvements.
His outspokenness wasn't limited to administrative matters. In a notable instance, he directly addressed the Delhi health minister and health secretary, expressing his frustration over their feuding and threatening to send them to jail for their failure to enact a law regulating clinical establishments. His reprimand underscored his belief in accountability and his unwavering commitment to ensuring efficient governance. This forthright approach extended to the city’s response to the unprecedented flooding. He openly criticized attempts to politicize the removal of encroachments from Yamuna floodplains, highlighting the need for collaborative and effective flood mitigation strategies. His intervention played a crucial role in establishing a unified system of accountability for water flow management and stormwater drains. Even in addressing tragic incidents, like the deaths of UPSC aspirants in a waterlogged coaching centre basement, his response involved establishing a high-powered committee to overhaul Delhi's outdated infrastructure. This proactive approach emphasizes his determination to implement lasting solutions rather than merely providing temporary fixes. This commitment encompassed the concerns raised by the stray dog and monkey menace, balancing animal welfare with public safety and highlighting the need to address misplaced public sympathy. The issue wasn’t simply a matter of animal rights but also about ensuring public spaces were safe and accessible for everyone.
Beyond his judicial contributions, Justice Manmohan’s tenure witnessed significant improvements in Delhi's judicial infrastructure. Significant upgrades to both virtual and physical court facilities were implemented during his time. The allocation of funds for the construction of 255 additional courtrooms in Karkardooma, Rohini, and Rouse Avenue signifies a major step towards improving access to justice. His impact extended beyond the Delhi High Court; his elevation to the Supreme Court represents a substantial gain for the national judiciary, bringing added expertise and experience to the highest court of the land. He is the son of former Jammu and Kashmir governor Jagmohan. His appointment fills one of the two vacancies created by the retirement of Justice Hima Kohli and former Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, leaving only one vacancy remaining before the Supreme Court reaches its full sanctioned strength. His career serves as a powerful example of unwavering dedication to upholding the rule of law and commitment to improving the lives of the citizens he served.
Source: Justice Manmohan Bids Farewell as Longest Serving Judge of Delhi HC, Joins Supreme Court