SHIMLA: Justice Amjad Ahtesham Sayed was sworn in as the 27th Chief Justice of High Court of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday at Raj Bhawan. Later on in his address during the Full Court reference, Justice Sayed calls upon State Legal Services Authorities to identify litigants who need free legal aid to give them justice.
Mr Justice was administered the oath of office by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar in a simple but an impressive ceremony held at Raj Bhawan. 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 obtains the signature of the Governor and Chief Justice on the Oath Form.
Full Court Reference
Soon after this, a Full Court Welcome Address was held in the High Court to welcome the new Chief Justice. The proceedings of the Full Court Welcome Address were conducted by the Registrar General Sh. Virender Singh. 
Speaking on the occasion, Justice A.A.Sayed said that he is feeling deeply honoured to be the 27th Chief Justice of this prestigious High Court of Himachal Pradesh, which has produced many eminent jurists, who later on adorned the Bench of the Supreme Court.
He said that Judiciary plays a vital role in upholding constitutional values and morality and Judges are under oath to impart justice to all its citizens.
Mr Justice 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.
Mr Justice said 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 thanked all present on the occasion, for such a warm welcome and said that he will endeavour to discharge the tasks and responsibilities as the Chief Justice of this august High Court to the best of his ability.
Justice Sabina welcomed Justice A.A. Sayed on assumption of charge of the Chief Justice and said that Justice Sayed has always been endeavouring to ensure that justice reaches the unreached.
She said that during the recent phase of COVID Pandemic, when the entire humanity was suffering, the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority took many innovative steps to help weaker sections of the society under the guidance and leadership of Justice Sayed, who was then the Executive Chairman of the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority.
She said that it is a great privilege for all to work under the leadership of Justice Sayed. His rich and vast experience from Bombay High Court will certainly help in adjudicating the civil and criminal matters pending in the High Court of H.P, she said. 
The Advocate General Ashok Sharma, the Chairman of the Bar Council of H.P. Sh. Ajay Kochhar, President of H.P. High Court Bar Association Lovneesh Kanwar, and Addl. Solicitor General of India Balram Sharma also spoke on the occasion and extended warm welcome to the Chief Justice A.A.Sayed.
Judges of the H.P. High Court, Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, Justice Vivek Singh Thakur, Justice Ajay Mohan Goel, Justice Sandeep Sharma, Justice Chander Bhusan Barowalia, Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua and Justice Satyen Vaidya were also present on this occasion.
Justice P.S. Rana, Chairperson, H.P. State Human Rights Commission and former judges of High Court of Himachal Pradesh, Justice A.K. Goel and Justice K.C.Sood were also present on the occasion. Other Registrars of the H.P. High Court, Officers and officials of the Registry were also present on the occasion.
About Justice Sayed
Born on 21st January, 1961, Justice A.A.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.
He 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. He is a keen sports enthusiast.
