New Delhi, August 8, 2025
On his final day as a Supreme Court judge, Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia delivered an emotional farewell, referring to the apex court as his “Hindustan”—a place where the diversity of the entire nation is reflected in the lawyers and cases that come before it.
Reflecting on what he would miss most after retirement, Justice Dhulia shared a deeply personal moment.
“When my wife asked me what I’ll miss, I said — ‘Hindustan.’ Because this is the only court where you see the whole of India every single day,” he said in court.
His remarks celebrated the inclusivity and cultural variety that makes the Supreme Court a true representation of the country.
Justice Dhulia highlighted how the range of arguments and perspectives in court had expanded his own understanding of law and life. He shared a metaphor from a book he read in a film appreciation course:
“A painter returns to his village and says he learned to truly observe a tree—how it stands against the sky. That’s what your arguments did for me. They made me see things differently.”
This sentiment captured the essence of his judicial philosophy—open-mindedness, learning, and empathy.
A Legal Journey Rooted in the Heart of India
• Justice Dhulia began his legal career in 1986 at the Allahabad High Court, later becoming Chief Standing Counsel and Additional Advocate General for Uttarakhand.
• He was appointed to the Uttarakhand High Court in 2008 and went on to serve as Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court in 2021.
• On May 9, 2022, he was elevated to the Supreme Court of India, where he served until his retirement on August 9, 2025.
Throughout his career, he remained known for his humility, sharp reasoning, and commitment to justice.
Justice Dhulia’s farewell wasn’t tied to any specific legal matter but marked the end of his tenure with reflections that moved the court and legal community alike. His parting words reinforced the idea that the judiciary is not just an institution—but a living, breathing mosaic of the entire nation.
