New Delhi: We are losing a most eminent Judge who can discuss any topic of law and decide any type of matter, said Delhi High Court Chief Justice D.N. Patel. Speaking on the occasion of the farewell ceremony of Justice S. Muralidhar on Thursday, who was transferred to Punjab and Haryana High Court recently.

The speakers who spoken in the farewell ceremony compared Justice Muralidhar as the “Kohinoor”. He was transferred after his sharp criticism on the police at hearing on the Delhi violence sparkled a political controversy, said the speakers. The Government transferred Justice Muralidhar on February 26^th, hours after he raised questions on the Delhi police inaction on the hate speeches by BJP leaders and in the violence that left 53 dead. The Government said Justice Muralidhar transfer was routine, as per the recommendations of the Supreme Court Collegium on February 12, and his consent had been taken.

The Delhi High Court Bar Association Secretary Abhijat in farewell address said “The Kohinoor of the High Court will be going a few 100 Kms away”. Justice Muralidhar, who was transferred to Punjab and Haryana High Court, said that “When Justice has to triumph, it will triumph. Be with the truth- Justice will be done” addressing at the gathering on his farewell. He told fellow Judges and lawyers that he had been informed about his transfer on February 17^th by Chief Justice of India S.A. Bobde. He said he had replied that if he was going to be transferred anyway, he had no problem going to the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Justice Muralidhar also admitted that law was not his first choice for a career. I was not meant to do law. I used to play cricked with the son of a lawyer and I used to leave my cricket bag in his chambers, he said. To roaring applause, he also shared a joke that demonstrated his love for puns. ‘Last week, a young lawyer came and asked me, Sir, do you dye? I couldn’t let go of an opportunity (to pun). I said everybody has to, one day or the other… right now I am ready to take charge at the Punjab and Haryana High Court’, the Judge chuckled.