'He Always Upheld Dignity Of Law': Kerala High Court Holds Full Court Reference In Memory Of Late Justice UL Bhat

He was appointed as a Judge of the Kerala High Court in 1980 and later became the Acting Chief Justice of the High Court. He was subsequently elevated as the Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court. He retired as the Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court in 1995. After his retirement, he worked as President, Customs, Excise and Gold Appellate Tribunal for three years. He was also designated as a Senior Advocate by Supreme Court and practiced in Karnataka High Court after his retirement.

Sitting Kerala High Court Chief Justice AJ Desai in his address said,

“He [Justice Bhat] was the foremost expert of evidence law. His numerous judicial pronouncements reflect his wisdom, scholarship and legal acumen which have undoubtedly been recorded in the law journals as a testament to his qualities. Justice Bhat was an exceptional judge delivering commendable ruling that uphold the dignity of the law.

Advocate General Gopalakrishna Kurup outlined Justice Bhat's life from his childhood and detailed about his life as a lawyer. He then spoke about the life of Justice Bhat as a Judge.

“His court was certainly a learning experience for every other lawyer in the courtroom. Such was the systematic approach of him in assimilating the facts and the relevant legal principles of cases which came up for consideration in his court. He used to discuss the provisions of law and factual nuances of the case aloud which enabled the lawyers even unconnected with the brief to understand the same.”

President of Kerala High Court Advocates' Association, Advocate Yeshwanth Shenoy regretted Justice Bhat's non-elevation to the Supreme Court. He said, “His [Justice Bhat's] autobiography is a story of courage. The ability to stand up for what is right as against who is right. His life was filled with obstacles put up by people who could not accept his integrity. He paid a huge price for integrity, but he chose to fail with honour than succeed by fraud.”

The Court ended the reference after observing a 2-minute silence.