Justice Manmohan was formally sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court on Sunday, September 29th, 2023. The ceremony, held at Raj Niwas, the Lieutenant Governor’s secretariat, saw the 61-year-old judge take the oath of office. Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena administered the oath in the presence of several dignitaries, including Delhi Chief Minister Atishi Marlena.
Justice Manmohan’s journey to this esteemed position is a testament to his dedication and expertise in the legal field. He previously served as the Acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, stepping into the role on November 9, 2023, following the elevation of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma to the Supreme Court.
Born into a prominent family in Delhi on December 17, 1962, Justice Manmohan’s early life was steeped in the world of politics and law. His father, the late Jagmohan, was a well-respected bureaucrat who later transitioned into a successful political career, serving as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. Justice Manmohan’s educational journey began at Delhi’s prestigious Modern School, Barakhamba Road. He went on to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) degree in History from Hindu College, a renowned institution within Delhi University. Following this, he earned his LL.B. from the University of Delhi’s Campus Law Centre, solidifying his commitment to the legal profession.
At the young age of 25, Justice Manmohan enrolled as an Advocate with the Bar Council of Delhi, embarking on his legal career. He primarily practiced in the Supreme Court of India and the High Court of Delhi, showcasing his skills and experience in a wide range of legal matters. His expertise spans various domains, including civil cases, criminal law, constitutional law, taxation, arbitration, trademark, and service litigation.
In recognition of his exceptional contributions, Justice Manmohan was designated a Senior Advocate by the High Court of Delhi in January of the previous year. He has handled several high-profile and significant cases, including the Dabhol Power Company matter, the Hyderabad Nizam’s Jewellery Trust case, the Claridges Hotel dispute, the Modi family case, the Gujarat Ambuja Cement’s sales tax dispute, and the Fatehpur Sikri encroachment issue.
Justice Manmohan’s ascent through the legal ranks is marked by notable milestones. He was appointed as an additional Judge of the High Court of Delhi on March 13, 2008, and was subsequently elevated to the position of a Permanent Judge on December 17, 2009. His appointment as the Acting Chief Justice in November 2023 solidified his position as a leading legal figure in India.
Justice Manmohan’s appointment as the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court is a significant event for the Indian legal system. His experience, expertise, and unwavering commitment to upholding justice will undoubtedly shape the future of the Delhi High Court and serve as an inspiration for aspiring legal professionals.
