Justice Jain to take over as acting Chief Justice of Delhi HC

New Delhi, Apr 7 (UNI) Delhi High Court seniormost Judge Vijender Jain will take over as acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court.

President A P J Abdul Kalam has appointed Justice Jain as acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court from the date Chief Justice Markandeya Katju relinquishes the charge, according to a notification released here today.

Justice Katju has been elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court.

Justice Jain, born on August 2, 1946, has done his M.A. and LL.B. from Delhi University.

He started practising law in the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court since July 1969.

He was designated as Senior Advocate in May 1990 and became a Judge of the Delhi High Court on December 24, 1992.

He is regarded as an expert on civil, constitutional, taxation and company matters.

During his illustrious career as a Judge, Justice Jain has rendered many outstanding judgements including on demolitions of unauthorised buildings, removal of slums from government lands, cleaning of the river Yamuna, redevelopment of historic Moghul monument Jama Masjid and others.

His contribution in making Public Interest Litigation (PIL) as an effective tool for protection and conservation of environment and restoration of rule of law has been appreciated by the public.

His landmark judgements in Phoolan Devi case, concept of collective responsibility of a minister, power of a successor minister to over-rule the decision of his predecessor, power of judicial review in defence matters have been cited by many in such related cases.

Recently, Justice Jain was invited by the Thailand Supreme Court to share the experience of India with the judges. He also helped the Thai government in setting up green benches.

He is also the Chairman of the High Court Legal Services Committee, Executive Chairman of Delhi Leal Services Authority and President of the Asia pacific Jurist Association.

UNI PAT AK BS2005