Never dreamt of being a judge, says Justice Tandon at farewell
Times of India | 25 March 2025
123 Kolkata: "Chose the legal profession over the desire to become a cricketer," Justice Harish Tandon, who was recently elevated as Chief Justice of Orissa High Court, said in his emotional farewell speech at Calcutta High Court on Monday.
Coming from a family of lawyers, Justice Tandon was no stranger to the judicial system. He remembered his sceptical outlook towards joining the profession. "I never dreamed of becoming a judge when I joined. I just wanted to become a good lawyer," he said.
Born on Nov 16, 1964, Justice Tandon graduated from Calcutta University and enrolled as an advocate on Sept 26, 1989. He started practising at Calcutta HC, mainly on the appellate side. He argued on civil and constitutional matters. He was appointed as a permanent judge of Calcutta HC on April 13, 2010.
"...Have seen litigants come with a sense of indecisiveness and apprehension… who used to consult my father and grandfather for dispensation of justice. I have also seen moments when the judgment was delivered and they would come to the house to meet my father and grandfather with a sense of joy and satisfaction. From that day, it was deeply rooted in my heart to pursue the profession," he said.
Centre on Friday cleared his appointment. The recommendation for Justice Tandon's appointment, the most senior judge of Calcutta HC, was made following the retirement of former Chief Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh on Jan 19.
After Justice Singh's retirement, Justice Arindam Sinha was at the helm of affairs as the acting Chief Justice of Orissa HC. Justice Sinha's name has been recommended for transfer as a judge of Allahabad HC. Justice Sinha, too, originally belonged to Calcutta HC, where he was appointed as an additional judge on Oct 30, 2013 and as a permanent judge on March 14, 2016.