Justice Amjad Ahtesham Sayed was sworn in as the 27th Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court here on Thursday.

He was administered the oath of office by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar in a simple but an impressive ceremony held at Raj Bhawan.

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Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur was also present on the occasion.

The ceremony took place at the Darbar Hall of the Raj Bhawan, where Chief Secretary Ram Subhag Singh conducted the proceedings of the oath ceremony and read out the Warrant of Appointment issued by the President of India.

Secretary to Governor Rajesh Sharma obtained the signature of the Governor and Chief Justice on the Oath Form.

Later a Full Court Welcome Address was also held in the High Court to welcome the new Chief Justice, Amjad Ahtesham Sayed.

The proceedings of the Full Court Welcome Address were conducted by the Registrar General Virender Singh.

Speaking on the occasion, Justice Amjad Ahtesham Sayed said that he is honoured to be the 27th Chief Justice of this prestigious High Court which has produced many eminent jurists, who later on adorned the Bench of the Supreme Court.

He said, “Judiciary plays a vital role in upholding constitutional values and morality and Judges are under oath to impart justice to all its citizens.”

He stressed upon the delivery of easily accessible, speedy and cost effective justice, especially to the poor and needy, for which he called upon the State and District Legal Services Authorities to identify all such litigants who deserve to be provided free legal aid.

He also beseeched all senior and other Advocates to conduct minimum three to five pro bono cases for such litigants every year.

“Keeping in view the pendency of cases in the High Court, as well as District Judiciary in the State, the priority should be given to dispose off all cases which are more than five years old,” he said.

Born on 21st January, 1961, Justice Amjad Ahtesham Sayed obtained a degree of Bachelors in law from Bombay University in the year 1984.

He was on the Panel of Central Government, Bombay High Court (Senior Counsel Group-I) and was also an Assistant Government Pleader, Bombay High Court, Original Side.

He appeared in Public Interest Litigation matters relating to mangroves, garbage dumping, free/concessional medical treatment for poor in charitable hospitals, bio medical waste, malnutrition, amongst others on behalf of Union of India/State Government.

Chief Justice, Amjad Ahtesham Sayed was on the panel of several Public Undertakings and also appeared in Arbitrations on their behalf.

He was also a Notary Public, Government of India.