“Can’t Work Against My Self-Respect” – Bombay HC Judge Resigns In Open Court

Bombay High Court Judge, Justice Rohit B Deo, announced his resignation on Friday, citing personal reasons. According to a lawyer present in the courtroom, Justice Deo emphasized his uncompromising stance on self-respect during his statement.

Addressing those present, he expressed, “I apologize to each one of you. I scolded you because I want you to improve… I have submitted my resignation. I can’t work against my self-respect.”

Who is Justice Rohit Deo?
Justice Rohit B Deo served as a judge at the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court.

Appointed an additional judge in June 2017 during his tenure as Maharashtra’s advocate general, Justice Deo was subsequently elevated to a permanent judge in April 2019. His retirement was set for December 4, 2025.

Notably, he led a two-judge bench that overturned the conviction of former Delhi University professor Gokalkonda Naga Saibaba, citing trial court errors. The Supreme Court referred the case to the Nagpur bench earlier this year.

Recently, Justice Deo halted the Maharashtra government’s resolution, empowering them to cancel punitive actions against illegal mineral excavation for the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway.

In January, he addressed a petition involving activist Lalan Kishore Singh, who questioned Nagpur Police after seeking information about Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s security. The Court disposed of the petition after an apology from the government pleader.

In May 2020, Justice Deo criticized harsh punishments during Covid-19 lockdown enforcement, asserting the importance of adhering to legal measures.

Justice Deo attributed his resignation to personal reasons, confirming he had informed the President of India.