Bhubaneswar: Justice S Muralidhar took oath as the 32nd Chief Justice of Orissa High Court on Monday. What makes him stand out was that he took the oath in a simple ceremony and refused to have pilot and protection to his duty as per protocol.
Setting an example to other to abolish the VIP culture, he returned from court without pilot and security.
Leading from the front, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had abolished the practice of according ‘Guard of Honour’ to the Chief Minister, Ministers and other government officials.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik himself was the first to remove red beacon from his car signaling no VIP treatment or culture in Odisha as all are the servant of the common people.
The practice of Guard of honour, however, followed on special occasions like Republic Day, Independence Day and Utkal Dibasa (Odisha Day).
The tradition of ceremonial welcome is still remain in practice so far as dignitaries like President, Vice President and Prime Minister of India, Governor, Lokayukta, Chief Justice of both Supreme Court and High Court and other judges of both the courts.