New CJ assumes charge; says he will embrace TN culture

CHENNAI: “I will adopt the tradition, conventions and culture of Tamil Nadu and live like one with all of you,” newly appointed Chief Justice of Madras high court Justice Sanjay Vijaykumar Gangapurwala said, while assuming office, on Thursday.
“My doors are always open to anyone with a grievance…,” he added while delivering his reply to the welcome address of Tamil Nadu advocate general R Shunmugasundaram. Noting that it was a privilege to have been chosen as the chief justice of a chartered high court, Chief Justice Gangapurwala said, “I am bringing greetings from the land of saints and scholars (Maharashtra) to the people of a land rich in culture, art, and intellect (Tamil Nadu).
“As the pater familias of the judiciary of the state of Tamil Nadu, I assure you that every stake-holder will be taken into confidence in every decision-making process. My doors are always open to anyone with a grievance," he said.
Narrating how the leader of Parsis convinced the then ruler of Gujrat to permit them to live in his land, the Chief Justice said: “When the Zoroastrians first arrived and landed in Gujrat, the then ruler Jadi Rana was alarmed by the influx of foreigners. He showed them a cup of milk filled to the brim and said there was no place for them.”
“The leader of the Parsis added sugar to the cup and said the Parsis would live like one with the locals. Just like that all of you should be rest assured that I will adopt the traditions, culture and conventions of Tamil Nadu and live like one with all of you,” he said.
Earlier, advocate-general of Tamil Nadu R Shunmugasundaram, chairperson of the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry PS Amalraj, president of the Madras High Court Advocates Association G Mohana Krishnan and office-bearers of other Bar associations welcomed the new chief justice.