A Full Court Reference was held today in the Court Room of the Chief Justice at Jammu Wing of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to bid farewell to Justice Tashi Rabstan, Chief Justice and Justice Puneet Gupta, Judge, on their demitting the office on superannuation.
Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Justice Sindhu Sharma, Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul, Justice Sanjay Dhar, Justice Javed Iqbal Wani, Justice Mohd. Akram Chowdhary, Justice Rahul Bharti, Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi, Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal, Justice Rajesh Sekhri and Justice Mohd. Yousuf Wani were present on the occasion.
The Full Court reference was also attended by Justice Atul Sreedharan, Judge, High Court of Madhya Pradesh and Former Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh.
The former Judges of the High Court, Chief Secretary, UT of J&K, Principal Secretary to the Government, Home Department, Inspector General of Police, J&K, Secretary Law, Justice, Senior Additional Advocate General, Deputy Solicitor Generals of India, Jammu/Srinagar, President, J&K High Court Bar Association, Jammu, Senior Advocates, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Jammu, Chairman, J&K Sales Tax Appellate Tribunal, Judicial Officers and Officers of the Registry of the High Court were also present on the occasion. Besides, officers and officials of the High Court and a large number of advocates had joined from Srinagar Wing of the High Court virtually.
Justice Sanjeev Kumar, in his farewell address, described both Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice Puneet Gupta, kind hearted persons having great qualities of head and heart. He added that Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice Puneet were always in tireless search for delivering justice and delivered number of landmark judgments which will be of remarkable help and guidance.
Acknowledging their years of service and the impact on judiciary, Justice Sanjeev Kumar said that their joined the judiciary with a sense of purpose, bringing with them a steadfast commitment to justice, a deep understanding of law and an unwavering dedication to fairness. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice Puneet Gupta for their exemplary services and contributions to the High Court of J&K and Ladakh.
Monika Kohli, Senior Additional Advocate General in her farewell address lauded the role of Justice Tashi Rabstan, for his dedication and commitment both on judicial and administrative side. She said that his tenure as the Chief Justice of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh, though brief, has been marked by judicial prudence, a keen sense of justice and a commitment towards upholding the rule of law.
She appreciated the services of Justice Tashi Rabstan for ensuring access to justice for all particularly the poor and downtrodden. She added that His Lordship displayed exceptional calibre during his tenure as a Judge and then as the Chief Justice of this Court.
Monika Kohli praised Justice Puneet Gupta, describing His Lordship as a gentleman par excellence, who demonstrated dedication and commitment to his professional responsibilities and highlighted kindness and valuable contributions to the institutional growth. She further added that Justice Puneet gupta demonstrated the positive approach and respect towards the Members of the Bar.
Nirmal Kotwal, President, J&K High Court Bar Association, Jammu in his farewell address, lauded the role of Justice Tashi Rabstan for his commitment towards upholding the law and ensuring justice. His contributions to the judiciary are valued and appreciated, reflecting his hard work and expertise. He added that His Lordship displayed exceptional calibre during his tenure as Judge and then as Chief Justice of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh. He also highlighted the generosity of His Lordship towards the Members of the Bar.
He also praised Justice Puneet Gupta highlighting the exceptional qualities of His Lordship as Judge of the High Court. He said that His Lordship demonstrated a remarkable commitment towards upholding justice and fairness. He further added that Justice Puneet Gupta was known for his simplicity and brilliance in work.
Justice Tashi Rabstan, in response to his farewell addresses, thanked one and all including Judges of High Court of J&K and Ladakh, Officers of the Registry and Judicial Officers for their undaunted professional commitment and the support extended to him during his tenure in the High Court of J&K and Ladakh.
He said that he is overwhelmed by the warmth and affection shown to him by one and all. He also appreciated the talent of the Members of J&K Bar for their knowledge of Law and Professional competence. He also thanked his personal staff for their support and cooperation.
Justice Puneet Gupta, in response to the farewell addresses, expressed deep gratitude to the Bar and Bench, acknowledging the support of his colleagues, court staff and members of the legal fraternity. He said that no Judge can dispense real justice without the cooperation from the Bar and the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir & Ladakh.
He also appreciated the talent of the Advocates of UTs of J&K and Ladakh for their ability and knowledge of Law. He said that he is overwhelmed by the warmth and affection shown to him by all.