HP HC bid farewell to Chief Justice Mohammad Rafiq

 A Full Court Address was held today in the High Court of Himachal Pradesh to bid farewell to outgoing Chief Justice Mohammad Rafiq, who demitted the office today. Justice Mohammad Rafiq was born on 25th May, 1960 at Sujangarh in Churu District of Rajasthan. He completed B.Com in 1980, LL.B in 1984 and M.Com in 1986 from University of Rajasthan. He joined the Bar and practiced as Advocate in the year 1984. He practiced in Rajasthan High Court in almost all branches of law. After practicing 22 years at the Bar, he was appointed as Judge of the Rajasthan High Court on 15th May, 2006. He also worked as Acting Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court twice.After serving the Rajasthan High Court, for 13 years as Judge, Justice Mohammad Rafiq was appointed as Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court.  From there he was transferred to the High Court of Orissa and thereafter to   the Madhya Pradesh as Chief Justice. With such vast experience to his credit, Justice Mohammad Rafiq was transferred to High Court of Himachal Pradesh and assumed office of Chief Justice on 14th October, 2021.Registrar General Sh. Virender Singh conducted the proceedings. Speakingon the occasion, Chief Justice Sh. Mohammad Rafiq said that in the life of an institution, no one is permanent and indispensable. People come and go, what is permanent is the Institution. The Judges and Lawyers have identity and command respect in the society only because of great Institution of Judiciary. Addressing young Advocates, he said that there is no short-cut to success, consistent hard work temper with sincerity, integrity and perseverance is the key to success. He advised younger advocates never to compromise on ethics for short term gains to earn easy money. He further said that it is disturbing to note that “Gurukul Parampra” is fast fading.Further, the Chief Justice said that it is gratifying to note that he  was able to persuade the State Government to agree for increase in the strength of High Court Judges by four which is likely to be notified shortly. He thanked State Government for agreeing to his suggestion of allotting seven storied building of the Industries department, adjacent to the High Court, looking to the difficulty of the space constraint which might aggravate in future. Justice Mohammad Rafiq thanked his wife and other family members who have been a source of strength in the journey of life. He also thanked the officers and officials of the Registry of High Court for their cooperation.