Justice Vivek Kumar Singh Sworn In as Judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court

Justice Vivek Kumar Singh was formally sworn in as a Judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court in a solemn ceremony held at the High Court's principal bench in Jabalpur. The swearing-in was administered by Chief Justice Sanjiv Sachdeva and was attended by a full court comprising other sitting judges, members of the Registry, the Advocate General, and senior advocates. The occasion marked a significant addition to the strength of the High Court, further enhancing its judicial capacity.

During his address following the swearing-in, Justice Vivek Kumar Singh expressed a deep sense of emotional connection and personal fulfillment in taking oath at Madhya Pradesh, a state he described as his “nanihal” or maternal home. Though his parent High Court is the Allahabad High Court, he spoke candidly about how the move to Madhya Pradesh felt more like a homecoming than a transfer. He emphasized a spiritual and symbolic alignment with his posting, recounting how his journey to Jabalpur included several moments that, to him, seemed like divine affirmations. For instance, as he arrived at Jabalpur airport, he passed a temple that bore a striking resemblance to one in his ancestral village. Furthermore, upon receiving his courtroom allotment, he discovered he had been given Court Room Number 25—a number that matches his date of birth, March 25—which he saw as yet another sign of divine welcome.

Justice Singh's swearing-in was not merely a procedural event, but a moment marked by his heartfelt reflections on service, duty, and belonging. He made it clear that he intends for this appointment to be the final destination of his judicial career. He expressed his wish to retire from the Madhya Pradesh High Court, without seeking or expecting any further transfers. In making this declaration, he conveyed his deep appreciation for the opportunity and his commitment to contribute meaningfully to the judicial system of Madhya Pradesh.

Born on March 25, 1968, Justice Vivek Kumar Singh holds a law degree from APS University in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh. He was enrolled as an advocate in 1993 and began his practice at the Allahabad High Court. Over the years, he developed expertise across civil and criminal law domains and gained a reputation for ethical practice and thoughtful legal argumentation. His dedication and competence were eventually recognized with his elevation as an Additional Judge of the Allahabad High Court in the year 2017. He was later made a permanent judge in September 2019.

In a relatively rare sequence of postings, Justice Singh was transferred to the Madras High Court in November 2023. There, he served for several months before being recommended for transfer to Madhya Pradesh by the Supreme Court Collegium in May 2025. The central government subsequently issued the transfer notification in mid-July, clearing the way for his formal assumption of duties in Jabalpur.

The ceremony itself was a testament to the High Court’s traditions and the decorum of judicial proceedings. As the oath was administered by Chief Justice Sanjiv Sachdeva, there was a palpable sense of solemnity and mutual respect among the judges and officers present. Members of the legal fraternity, including representatives of the Bar Council and Advocates’ Association, welcomed Justice Singh warmly. They viewed his transfer as a significant boost to the judicial bench, particularly given his extensive experience in various jurisdictions and his personal commitment to judicial values.

Justice Singh’s appointment also arrives at a time when the Madhya Pradesh High Court is undergoing a phase of rejuvenation and institutional strengthening. The court is actively working on reducing case pendency, streamlining judicial procedures, and ensuring faster resolution of long-standing disputes. The presence of a seasoned judge like Justice Singh is expected to contribute positively to these objectives. His understanding of both procedural and substantive law, combined with his transparent working style, has been widely appreciated in the past and is expected to resonate well in Madhya Pradesh's legal ecosystem.

The judicial system in Madhya Pradesh, like in many other states, is currently grappling with rising litigation volumes and the need for technological adaptation. Judges with national-level experience and exposure to diverse legal cultures bring not only adjudicative capacity but also administrative insight. Justice Singh’s tenure in the Allahabad and Madras High Courts is anticipated to enrich the functioning of the Madhya Pradesh High Court by bringing fresh perspectives and possibly by introducing or reinforcing best practices in case management, courtroom discipline, and engagement with the Bar.

Justice Singh, in his speech, also underlined the spiritual and moral dimension of judgeship. For him, the posting was not just a professional assignment but a sacred duty, one that he felt he was destined to fulfill. This sentiment, combined with his desire to end his career in Madhya Pradesh, resonated deeply with the audience and was acknowledged as a rare instance of judicial humility and gratitude. It was a reminder that for many in the judiciary, the robe is more than an institutional uniform—it is a mantle of moral and constitutional responsibility.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court, which has often been at the forefront of important constitutional and public interest litigation, benefits greatly from the addition of judges who combine professional integrity with personal dedication. Justice Singh’s arrival is expected to further reinforce the court’s ability to deliver timely and fair justice to the citizens of the state. With his swearing-in, the High Court’s bench strength moves closer to its sanctioned capacity, addressing a long-felt need for increased manpower at the senior judicial level.

The ceremonial event concluded with informal interactions between the judges and the members of the Bar, along with congratulatory exchanges. The Registrar General of the High Court, court staff, and other officials were acknowledged for organizing the event with precision and decorum. The legal community’s enthusiasm over Justice Singh’s arrival was evident in the interactions that followed, with many welcoming his values of accessibility, patience, and jurisprudential clarity.

In conclusion, the swearing-in of Justice Vivek Kumar Singh marks not only an important institutional development for the Madhya Pradesh High Court but also stands out for its deeply human and emotional tone. Justice Singh’s journey, from his academic beginnings in Rewa to his ascension to one of the state’s most significant judicial posts, represents a full-circle moment both professionally and personally. His vow to serve the state with humility and dedication reinforces the judiciary’s vital role in preserving the constitutional promise of justice. As he embarks on this final chapter of his judicial career, expectations are high that his tenure will leave a lasting impact on the jurisprudence and integrity of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.