The air in Hansi, Haryana, is set to resonate with the unique sounds of folk music and the rich aromas of local delicacies this Friday. This sensory celebration marks a momentous homecoming for Justice Surya Kant, the Chief Justice of India (CJI), who is visiting his hometown for the first time since ascending to the nation's highest judicial office.
A Grand State Welcome for the 'Son of the Soil'
Declared a state function by the Haryana government, the two-day visit is a proud occasion for the region. Justice Kant, accompanied by his wife, Professor Savita Vashisht, will be welcomed as a distinguished "son of the soil." The elaborate schedule, structured into seven major engagements, seamlessly blends official, academic, cultural, and personal elements.
The ceremonial reception begins upon his arrival. A helicopter provided by the state will land in Hansi at 3 pm on Friday. A traditional 'been baja' troupe will lead his convoy to the Hansi court complex, where a police band and a shower of flower petals await. This heartfelt welcome sets the tone for a visit steeped in personal history and professional legacy.
Revisiting Roots: From Courtroom to Native Village
The first day is a journey through Justice Kant's professional beginnings. After inaugurating court facilities in Hansi, he will proceed to Hisar's District Bar Association. This is where his legal career started in the mid-1980s, making his address there a poignant return to his 'Karam Bhumi' (place of work). The evening features a dinner at a private hotel in Hisar, where guests will savor iconic local flavors like Hansi's famous 'peras', 'gajjarpak', and 'sarson ka saag'.
On the second day, the focus expands to judicial infrastructure and heritage. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will join the CJI for the inauguration of a new court and the foundation stone laying for a court complex in Barwala, and the inauguration of another court in Narnaund.
Meanwhile, a cultural and heritage tour has been organized for Professor Vashisht and accompanying spouses at Rakhigarhi, the internationally significant archaeological site, offering a deep dive into the region's ancient past. The day culminates with a visit to Petwar, the CJI's native village, for a lunch accompanied by a cultural program, followed by an alumni meet at a government college in Hisar.
Extensive Arrangements for a Historic Visit
Given the stature of the event, the Haryana government has made extensive arrangements. A high-level judicial delegation will accompany Justice Kant throughout, including:
- Justice Alka Sareen, administrative judge of the Hisar sessions division.
- Justice Harsimran Singh Sethi, head of the Punjab and Haryana High Court's building committee.
- Chander Shekhar, registrar general of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Several other High Court judges and their spouses are expected to participate. The local judiciary, led by District and Sessions Judge Alka Malik, has been tasked with ensuring the event's success. As per protocol, the state will provide all facilities, security, stay, and vehicles for the CJI's travel across Hansi, Hisar, Barwala, Narnaund, and Petwar. The visit concludes on Saturday evening when a state helicopter will fly him to the Air Force Station in Sirsa, from where he will depart for Guwahati.
This homecoming is more than a formal visit; it is a celebration of local pride, a recognition of humble beginnings, and a powerful connection between India's top judge and the community that shaped his journey.
