Justice Vibhu Bakhru was officially sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court on Saturday at a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru.
The oath of office was administered by Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, in the presence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
The position of Chief Justice had been lying vacant following the elevation of former Chief Justice NV Anjaria to the Supreme Court. In the interim, Justice V Kameswar Rao had served as Acting Chief Justice. He was recently repatriated to the Delhi High Court at his own request and was present at today’s ceremony.
Justice Bakhru was extended a cordial welcome by the legal fraternity at a ceremony held at the Karnataka High Court.
Addressing the gathering, Mittalakod Shidlingappa Shekharappa, Chairman of the Karnataka State Bar Council (KSBC), said:
“You will definitely feel at home in Bengaluru. Karnataka is a land of beauty and joy. Kannadigas are tolerant and respectful of the judiciary. The legal fraternity here stands ready to support you in the task of dispensing justice.”
In his remarks, Chief Justice Bakhru expressed gratitude for the warm reception and said he was accepting the new role with humility and a sense of responsibility.
“It is a privilege to assume the office of Chief Justice in a State that has made significant contributions to the legal and constitutional fabric of our nation,” he said, recalling the legacy of Justice N Venkatachaliah, former Chief Justice of India, whose commitment to human rights and judicial integrity continues to inspire.
He emphasized the foundational role of the Constitution, stating:
“Our sworn allegiance is to the Constitution of India; our religion is law. The freedoms it guarantees rest on the strength of the institutions that uphold it. It is the public’s faith in these institutions that sustains them, and it is our responsibility to ensure that faith is not misplaced.”
He also stressed the collaborative role of the Bench and the Bar in delivering justice:
“The Bench and Bar are not two sides of a coin, but partners in a shared constitutional mission. Lawyers ensure that justice is delivered efficiently, meaningfully, and with sensitivity.”
Chief Justice Bakhru also noted that the legal community can draw inspiration from Karnataka’s deep philosophical and jurisprudential heritage.
Later in the day, Justices Jayant Banerji and Dinesh Kumar Singh are scheduled to be sworn in as judges of the Karnataka High Court. A farewell event will also be held in honour of Justice V Kameswar Rao.
Justice Bakhru’s elevation was recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium headed by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai in May 2024. At the time, he was serving as a judge of the Delhi High Court. The Central Government cleared his appointment on July 14, 2024.
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