By TC News Desk
Agartala, 9th March 2025: Former Chief Justice of Tripura High Court and Supreme Court Judge, Justice Deepak Gupta today delivered an evocative address at the inaugural Apanshu Mohan Lodh Memorial Lecture, held in honor of the celebrated legal luminary at National Law University, Tripura campus here.
In his speech, Justice Gupta fondly reminisced about his close association with Tripura, a state he described as “a second home.” Reflecting on his time as Tripura’s first Chief Justice, a position he assumed on March 23, 2013, he paid tribute to Mr. Apanshu Mohan Lodh, describing him as “a father figure to the judiciary of the state.”
Transitioning to the core theme of the lecture, “The Rule of Law and the Role of the High Court,” Justice Gupta traced the philosophical and historical roots of the rule of law. Citing Aristotle, he remarked, “Law should govern—a simple yet profound principle ensuring all citizens are ruled by established laws rather than the whims of individuals.” He elaborated on the development of this concept across civilizations and underscored the necessity of embedding the rule of law within written constitutions in modern democracies, ensuring fairness and consistency in governance.
Justice Gupta also highlighted the enduring legacy of the Magna Carta, signed in June 1215. He observed, “Articles 39 and 40 of the Magna Carta continue to resonate globally—from India to Ukraine and the United States—underpinning the universal appeal of codified rule of law.” Emphasizing the High Court’s critical role, he remarked that the rule of law is the bedrock of a just society and that judiciary’s independence is fundamental to safeguarding constitutional principles.
Justice Arindam Lodh, who delivered a heartfelt address in memory of his late father, praised the occasion as a historic and emotional milestone. “This lecture is not just about preserving my father’s legacy but about cementing a moment of academic and judicial significance for generations to come,” he said. Justice Lodh expressed his gratitude to Justice Gupta, describing him as a “visionary leader whose profound affection for Tripura and its judiciary has left an indelible mark.”
Justice Lodh also recalled Justice Gupta’s transformative initiatives during his tenure, remarking, “His lordship’s dedication to public interest litigations and constitutional objectives brought impactful changes to the state.” He further highlighted the establishment of the Judicial Academy as Justice Gupta’s “brainchild,” initiated on barren land over 11 years ago, now standing as a testament to his visionary leadership.
The event held profound personal significance for Justice Lodh and his family, who were in attendance. In his speech, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to his mother, Aloka Lodh; siblings, including Abhijit Lodh and Jayanti Lodh; his wife, Sima Lodh; daughter, Avishikta Lodh; and son-in-law, Arghya Raj Chanda. “This public memorial lecture is a collective effort and a cherished tribute from my entire family,” he said.
National Law University Tripura’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Yogesh Pratap Singh, who hosted the lecture, lauded Justice Gupta’s pioneering contributions to judicial reforms and societal justice. “Justice Gupta’s unmatched dedication and legal acumen make him the perfect speaker for this prestigious occasion,” he said. Prof. Singh also spoke about NLU Tripura’s milestones, including outreach initiatives focused on fundamental rights and research addressing social issues like child marriages and tribal welfare. He announced plans for a state-of-the-art campus, reiterating the university’s commitment to advancing legal education and equity.
The memorial lecture stands as a fitting tribute to the late Mr. Apanshu Mohan Lodh, celebrating his legacy while inspiring generations of legal minds.
