Full Court Reference held in HP High Court to mourn Justice Dev Darshan Sud
Shimla, January 8:
The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Thursday held a Full Court Reference to mourn the demise of former Judge Justice Dev Darshan Sud, who passed away on December 9, 2025, at the age of 73.
Chief Justice of the High Court, while expressing deep condolences to the bereaved family, said that the passing away of Justice Sud was an irreparable loss to the judiciary.
“We have lost a fine gentleman, a great jurist and an outstanding personality. He was admired not only by the legal fraternity but also by intellectuals across India and the international community,” the Chief Justice remarked.
He added that Justice Sud firmly believed judges must uphold the highest standards of ethics and rectitude, both during and after their tenure.
Born on February 18, 1952, in Kangra, Justice Sud completed his schooling from St. Edward’s School, Shimla.
He went on to earn a B.Com degree from Panjab University, Chandigarh, an LL.B from Himachal Pradesh University and an LL.M from Delhi University.
He began his legal career in 1980 and practised in civil, criminal, constitutional and taxation matters before the Supreme Court of India, Delhi High Court, district courts and various tribunals in New Delhi.
In 1983, he shifted his practice to Shimla, where he handled cases on the original and appellate sides of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. He was designated as a Senior Advocate in 1997.
Justice Sud was elevated as a Judge of the Himachal Pradesh High Court on November 27, 2006. He also served as Acting Chief Justice from November 24 to November 27, 2013. He retired on February 18, 2014, on attaining the age of superannuation.
Several sitting judges of the High Court, including Justices Vivek Singh Thakur, Ajay Mohan Goel, Sandeep Sharma, Jyotsna Rewal Dua, Sushil Kukreja, Virender Singh, Ranjan Sharma, Bipin Chander Negi, Rakesh Kainthla, Jiya Lal Bhardwaj and Romesh Verma, were present during the reference.
A two-minute silence was observed in memory of the departed soul. Advocate General Anup Rattan, Bar Council of Himachal Pradesh Chairman Lovneesh Kanwar, High Court Bar Association President Hamender Singh Chandel and Deputy Solicitor General of India Balram Sharma also paid tributes.
The proceedings were conducted by the Registrar General. Members of the High Court Bar Association, registrars, officers and officials of the High Court registry were also present on the occasion.