In a candid farewell speech, Delhi High Court’s Justice Vibhu Bakhru, soon to assume the role of Karnataka High Court Chief Justice, stunned attendees by declaring that the legal profession offers “no work-life balance, only work.” Speaking at a full court reference on Wednesday, the 59-year-old judge reflected on his tenure, emphasizing that integrity, empathy, and independence are the unyielding pillars of the judiciary.

Justice Bakhru, elevated to Karnataka’s top judicial post on July 14 following Supreme Court collegium recommendations, shared insights from his courtroom, where he witnessed the “entire spectrum” of human struggles. “Each case is not just a file, but a life, often fragile and always deserving,” he said, underscoring the weight of judicial responsibility. He humorously noted that his law researchers learned the hard truth: in law, work is life.

Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya praised Bakhru’s 35-year legacy, highlighting his “calm and composed” demeanor and significant contributions, including his pivotal role in the Delhi International Arbitration Centre. “His style blends patience and warmth, delivering decisions of profound public importance,” Upadhyaya said.

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While Bakhru’s elevation is a proud moment for the Delhi High Court, Upadhyaya called it a “great loss” for the institution. As Bakhru prepares to don the “heavy robes” of trust in Karnataka, his words resonate: the judiciary evolves, but its core values must remain unshaken.

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