A Legacy of Justice: Farewell to Justice Anjani Kumar Sharan of the Patna High Court

Introduction

On April 9, 2025, the Patna High Court bid farewell to Justice Anjani Kumar Sharan, marking the end of a distinguished six-year tenure on the bench and a 34-year journey in the legal profession. Justice Sharan's retirement was commemorated in a heartfelt ceremony at the Centenary Hall of the Patna High Court, where he reflected on his career, shared insights, and expressed gratitude to his colleagues, mentors, and family.​

Early Life and Legal Journey

Justice Sharan's legal journey was deeply influenced by his grandfather and his early mentor, the late Thakur Prasad, a senior advocate. He recalled how his mentor encouraged self-reliance by prompting him to study and discover legal solutions independently, fostering a deep understanding and respect for the law. This foundation laid the groundwork for a career characterized by discipline, hard work, and a commitment to justice.

Elevation to the Bench

Justice Sharan was elevated to the bench on April 17, 2019, alongside Justices Anil Kumar Sinha, Prabhat Kumar Singh, and Parth Sarthy. Shortly after their appointments, the COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to the judiciary. Justice Sharan acknowledged the collective efforts of the judiciary in navigating these challenges, emphasizing the importance of support, resolution, and commitment in maintaining the judicial process during trying times.​

Commitment to Speedy Justice

Throughout his tenure, Justice Sharan was particularly focused on ensuring speedy justice for litigants. He recognized that individuals often turn to the courts after exhausting all other avenues and emphasized the judiciary's responsibility to provide timely and fair resolutions. He stated, "My concern as a judge was to render speedy justice as litigants come to the court after losing the battle to everyone."​

Guidance to the Legal Fraternity

Addressing the young members of the Bar, Justice Sharan emphasized that the legal profession demands infinite truth, dedication, and patience. He highlighted the importance of punctuality and decorum in court proceedings, noting that the timely sitting of the court is as crucial as the integrity of a judge. He encouraged budding lawyers to uphold these values to ensure fair and speedy justice for litigants.​

Reflections and Gratitude

In his farewell speech, delivered in a mix of Hindi and English, Justice Sharan expressed heartfelt gratitude to his colleagues, the legal fraternity, and his family. Reflecting on his career, he remarked, "The Wheel of Time has brought me to such a point that when I look at the past, it is hard to decide what to remember and what to forget." He concluded his address by acknowledging that sometimes silence is necessary, stating, "Therefore, this is the moment for the pause of my words."​

Tributes from the Judiciary

Acting Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar paid rich tributes to Justice Sharan's judicial acumen and human approach. He noted that Justice Sharan delivered 1,753 judgments and 75,613 orders during his tenure and was part of several important committees advising the Chief Justice and the Full Court. Justice Kumar highlighted Justice Sharan's ability to resolve complex legal questions using simple logic and fair-mindedness, stating that his heart always bled for the underdogs.​

Conclusion

Justice Anjani Kumar Sharan's retirement marks the culmination of a career dedicated to upholding justice, integrity, and compassion. His contributions to the Patna High Court and the broader legal community have left an indelible mark, serving as an inspiration for current and future members of the judiciary. As he steps down from his official duties, his legacy continues to resonate within the halls of justice.

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