'SC Collegium Transferred Me In Order To Harass': Retiring Allahabad HC Chief Justice Pritinker Diwaker Sparks Controversy

In his farewell speech, retiring Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Pritinker Diwaker claimed that his transfer from the Chhattisgarh High Court to the Allahabad High Court by the collegium led by former chief justice of India Dipak Misra, was intended to "harass" him.

Justice Diwaker, who assumed office in Allahabad in October 2018, described the transfer as having ill intentions but acknowledged the support he received from fellow judges and the Bar.

He expressed gratitude to the current Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud for rectifying what he perceived as an injustice. Justice Diwaker reflected on his career, noting his initial reluctance to accept a judgeship in 2009.

He emphasised the unique working style and traditions of the Allahabad High Court, acknowledging the challenges of balancing a heavy workload and addressing criticisms of the court's functioning.

Justice Diwaker credited his father, the late Dr S C Diwaker, for driving him into the field of law. He started his career as an advocate in 1984 at the principal Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court.

Despite not initially aspiring to be a judge, he acknowledged that destiny led him in that direction, emphasising the importance of a passion for the profession and a sense of responsibility towards society's downtrodden.

He also commended the effective and impressive functioning of the Lucknow Bench of the high court, praising the quality and behavior of lawyers in Lucknow.