Shimla, Oct 5 (IANS) Justice Surya Kant, who took oath as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court here on Friday, emphasized on providing justice to the poor and the needy.
A full court welcome address was held in the High Court here to welcome Justice Kant.
Speaking on the occasion, he said in today's scenario the biggest challenge before the judiciary is to provide speedy and effective justice.
Emphasising on providing justice to the poor and the needy he said, the existence of the Bar and the Bench would be meaningful only when they are able to wipe out the tears of the poor.
Justice Kant was earlier a judge in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. During his farewell on Thursday, Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Krishna Murari compared him with former captain of Indian cricket team Rahul Dravid.
On this reference Justice Kant said he would rather like to go as an 'opener' daily and come out in the evening unhurt and 'not out'.
Governor Acharya Devvrat administered the oath of office to Justice Kant whose appointment order was cleared nearly 10 months ago by the Supreme Court collegium.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, his cabinet colleagues and senior government functionaries.
The post of the Chief Justice was vacant with the retirement of Chief Justice Mansoor Ahmad Mir on April 24, 2017.