Retiring Madhya Pradesh High Court Justice Avanindra Kumar Singh has pledged to donate his entire General Provident Fund (GPF) savings, estimated at Rs 1.01 crore, to the Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM CARES) Fund after his retirement.
At his farewell function on September 17, Justice Singh also announced that he and his wife, Shivati Indra Singh, have pledged their bodies to a medical college for scientific and medical research after their deaths.
The announcements came as Justice Singh reflected on his 37 years of service in the judiciary and the people and principles that shaped his professional journey.
Speaking about life after retirement, Justice Singh said he intended to continue working in a different capacity. He stated that after retiring that day, he would begin a new chapter in his life and would continue to work on a new platform. He added that he believed people serve the Lord not only by worshipping Him, but also by taking care of all things big and small created by God on this earth.
Explaining his decision to donate his retirement savings, Justice Singh said he would donate the entire amount to the PM CARES Fund once it was received. He stated that, according to official calculations, he would receive approximately Rs 1.01 crore from his General Provident Fund (GPF) account. He pledged to donate the entire sum upon receipt to the PM CARES Fund for nation-building, emphasizing that this action was merely a beginning rather than an end.
Justice Singh said the decision to donate his body was also motivated by a desire to contribute to society beyond his lifetime. Citing the belief that life should serve a greater purpose beyond oneself, he shared that he and his wife had pledged their bodies to a medical college for scientific research following their deaths.
He credited his wife with suggesting both initiatives and praised her for her wholehearted support throughout his career. Crediting his wife for her steadfast support, he shared that she was the one who had originally suggested donating their bodies to science after death and contributing his full GPF account to the PM CARES Fund.
Justice Singh’s farewell address also offered a glimpse into the experiences that shaped his outlook on life and judging.
Recalling his childhood, he said he lost his mother when he was about six months old and was brought up by his maternal uncle and aunt. He said the values instilled by them, along with the guidance he received from senior judges during his early years in the judiciary, played an important role in shaping his approach.
He particularly recalled his maternal aunt teaching him that there were no shortcuts to success. He recalled that his maternal aunt always told him there was no shortcut to success in life, adding that any success achieved without hard work and sincere effort would not last long.
Justice Singh also remembered the advice of former district judge Justice N.K. Jain during his posting as a civil judge in Bhopal. Citing advice from former district judge NK Jain, Justice Singh noted that judges must resist criticism and recuse themselves from cases if any personal feelings or pressure compromise their objectivity.
Reflecting on technological changes in the judiciary, Justice Singh spoke about the expansion of virtual hearings and online legal services, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. He said such initiatives had helped courts reach people who were unable to approach them physically.
At the farewell, Justice Singh also expressed gratitude to the judges, lawyers, Registry officials, judicial officers and court staff with whom he had worked during his 37-year career.
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