Integrity Score 405
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Chapter 13
On the Bench continues...
On hearing from you. I shall immediately inform His Excellency.” I learnt later that the Governor had sounded the Viceroy on the telephone and had obtained his approval to the offer that was made by Sir Trevor. Without fully realising the huge financial loss involved I accepted the offer in the best tradition of the Bar. Later on, in moments of weakness, I have sometimes regretted, my action.
On the 24th of May, 1943, Mr. Pakenham-Walsh, Registrar of the Court, wrote to me asking me to give the usual undertaking not to practise after retirement in the High Court to which I was appointed. I gave the undertaking asked for. It meant that on my retirement at the age of 60, I could not go back to the profession I love most. In those days there was no law banning retired judges from practising and it was only a gentlemen’s agreement not to do so between a judge and the Government. On the 18th of June, 1943, I got His Majesty’s warrant of appointment. It read “We being graciously pleased to appoint our trusty and well beloved Mehr Chand Mahajan Esq. to be Judge of the High Court in Lahore do hereby appoint him, the said Mehr Chand Mahajan, to be a judge of the High Court upon the resignation of Mr. Justice Kanwar Dalip Singh.” The announcement of my appointment was made on the 31st of July, 1943 and I took the oath of office on the 27th of September, 1943.
A deluge of letters and messages poured in congratulating me on my appointment. I have treasured the following three. The Chief Justice, Sir Trevor Harries wrote. “The Court will benefit greatly by your appointment and I am certain the Bench will present no difficulties to you.” The other was from a judge of the High Court, Mr. Justice Skemp, who had just retired. He wrote, “It has given me great pleasure to see your appointment. in the Times. I am writing to congratulate you warmly.
to be continued....