Karnataka Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru Vows to Enhance Judiciary for Better Public Service

Swift Summary:

• Vibhu Bakhru was sworn in as the new Chief Justice of the High Court of Karnataka on Saturday by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot at a ceremony in Bengaluru attended by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other dignitaries.
• In his welcome address,Chief Justice Bakhru emphasized his obligation to protect the independence of the judiciary,reduce delays in justice delivery,embrace technology without losing human touch,ensure access for marginalized groups,and maintain safe court spaces.
• He highlighted allegiance to the Constitution and stressed that institutions must remain robust to uphold constitutional freedoms. He also invoked ideals taught by Basavanna, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and Sir M. Visvesvaraiah as guiding principles for justice and governance.
• Born in Nagpur (1966), Bakhru holds degrees in Commerce (BCom), Chartered Accountancy & Law (LL.B). His legal career started in Delhi; elevated as a judge of Delhi High Court (2013) before serving briefly as Acting Chief Justice there from December 2024 to January 2025.
• Karnataka welcomed two transferred judges: Justice Jayant Banerji from Allahabad high Court & Justice D.K. Singh from Kerala high Court.They were administered oaths under their new roles.
• Former Acting CJ V. Kameswar Rao bid farewell after being repatriated to Delhi High Court.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The appointment of Vibhu Bakhru as Chief Justice comes wiht a strong emphasis on institutional integrity and accessibility within Karnataka’s judicial framework-a timely focus amid growing calls for faster judicial processes nationwide. His vision aligns with India’s constitutional values while embracing technology-enhanced solutions balanced with inclusivity for marginalized communities-a testament to evolving demands on judiciary systems post-pandemic era.With prominent transferrals accompanying this transition-Justice Jayant Banerji & D.K Singh-the infusion ensures continued operational fluidity across overlapping state jurisdictions suggesting stronger cooperation nationwide coordination amidst wider reorganizations planned last years sector Challenges regional delay-focus systemic overhaul constitutional strength remains enduring priorities deeper service-centric avenues untested ground realities progressing current benchmarks Read more: