CJI Thakur gets emotional, says will continue to be a contributor to the institution

Chief Justice of India T. S. Thakur, while addressing his farewell speech on Tuesday, expressed his gratitude to the Supreme Court and pledged to be a spectator, observer and a contributor to the institution.

In an emotional tone, Justice Thakur said one should not miss the opportunity knocking on one's door and should grasp it as soon as possible.

"Don't lose the opportunity which knocks your door. Opportunity never knocks your door again," said Justice Thakur.

Getting nostalgic seeing the atmosphere, the Chief Justice said he had seen 28 farewells at the same place and now it was his own farewell.

Recalling his days in Bengaluru, Justice Thakur said he left the city after working there for 10 years and on his farewell there the members were all in tears.

"I left Bangalore after working there for almost 10 years. When I left the place, members were in tears and certain others also," he said.

Recounting his older days, Justice Thakur said he missed his days of being a lawyer and that it was difficult for him to shift from the High Court to the Supreme Court.

Expecting the judicial system to gain pace and ensure speedy justice, he counted the problems judiciary undergoes.

"You have the challenges of backlog, infrastructure. You will have issues related to cyber laws, genetic laws, others but you have to deal with it," he said.

"We have backlog of eight crore cases. We have to deal with it. We have to be ready for future challenges," he added.

Encouraging people to take challenges and praying for peace in society, he said, "Each and every brief you handle is a challenge. Unless there is peace in the society, there can't be progress."

Justice Thakur is to remit his office on January 4.