THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, March 21: Justice Navneet Kumar, Judge of the Jharkhand High Court, retired on March 19, 2025, after an illustrious judicial career spanning over two decades. Known for his commitment to judicial efficiency, legal aid, and alternative dispute resolution, Justice Kumar leaves behind a legacy of impactful reforms in the judiciary.
At his farewell ceremony, Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court praised Justice Kumar for his unwavering dedication to justice and judicial integrity. “Justice Navneet Kumar has been a pillar of strength in our judicial system. His vast experience and commitment to legal services have significantly contributed to the betterment of the judiciary. His efforts in legal aid and mediation have brought justice closer to the people, particularly in rural areas,” the Chief Justice remarked.
In his farewell speech, Justice Kumar expressed gratitude for his journey in the judiciary and emphasized the need for continued efforts in making justice accessible. “I have always believed that justice should not only be delivered but should also be accessible to the last person in society. My experience in judicial services has reinforced my belief in the power of legal aid and mediation as effective tools for dispute resolution,” he said.
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A Career Marked by Judicial Excellence
Justice Navneet Kumar was elevated as a Judge of the Jharkhand High Court on October 8, 2021. During his tenure, he presided over 6,532 cases, including 3,808 main cases and 2,724 miscellaneous cases, ensuring timely and fair adjudication. Before his appointment to the High Court, he served as a District Judge for nearly two decades, where he decided over 18,319 cases, demonstrating judicial efficiency and commitment to reducing case backlogs.
Throughout his career, he held various key positions, including Principal Secretary to the Chief Justice of Jharkhand, Judicial Commissioner of Ranchi, and Member Secretary of the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA). His tenure in these roles was instrumental in promoting legal awareness and facilitating alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Strengthening Legal Aid and Access to Justice
Justice Kumar was deeply involved in legal aid initiatives, particularly during his tenure at JHALSA. He spearheaded several programs to enhance access to justice, including:
- Organizing legal awareness camps across Jharkhand.
- Establishing continuous legal literacy centres at the Panchayat level.
- Implementing NALSA guidelines to promote mediation and out-of-court settlements.
- Introducing “Justice on Wheels”, a Mobile Lok Adalat initiative to reach remote areas.
His initiatives aimed at resolving disputes through mediation have been widely recognized for their effectiveness in reducing litigation burdens. As a certified mediator trained under the Supreme Court’s Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC), he played a crucial role in training judicial officers and lawyers in dispute resolution techniques.
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Contributions to Judicial Training and Education
Beyond his role as a judge, Justice Kumar contributed significantly to legal education and judicial training. He served as a Senior Faculty Member at the Judicial Academy, Jharkhand, where he trained judges on case management and court administration. He also worked as a part-time law professor at Patna University, mentoring future legal professionals.
His deep understanding of law and administrative processes was further honed during his tenure as Assistant General Manager (Law) at IFCI, Jaipur, where he represented financial institutions in corporate litigation. His experience as an empanelled lawyer for the State Bank of India and Central Bank of India in High Courts and Debt Recovery Tribunals enriched his expertise in financial law.
A Legacy of Judicial Service
As Justice Navneet Kumar steps into retirement, his contributions to the judiciary, legal aid, and mediation leave a lasting impact. His judicial philosophy centred around timely justice, accessibility, and efficiency, ensuring that the legal system serves not just the privileged but also the marginalized.
His farewell marks the conclusion of a distinguished career, but his work in judicial reforms and access to justice will continue to inspire generations of legal professionals.
