 Sir LAWERNCE H. JENKINS | |
| K.C.I.E., M.A.(Oxon.), Bar-at-Law | 1899-1908 |
| Sir Lawrence H. Jenkins,was brought from Calcutta and made the Chief Justice on the death of Kershaw in 1899.His Lordship was educated at Cheltenham and University College, Oxford. His Lordship was called to the Bar in 1882, and practised at the Chancery Bar before he came out to India about 1895, as a judge of the Calcutta High Court. His Lordship was particularly well up in both English and Indian law. His Lordship surprised the Bar by the extent of his knowledge of Indian law, which he had apparently read up on his voyage out. His Lordship effected many changes and did much to overhaul various departments of the Bombay High Court, and also the subordinate Courts. His Lordship greatly encouraged the Indian Bar; and it was during his regime that Indian practitioners on the Original Side obtained a firm footing there. His Lordship animated the Mofussil Judiciary, which before his time had been somewhat neglected and had fallen into a certain degree of laxity and lassitude. His Lordship revived the practice of periodically deputing one Judge to inspect the Mofussil Courts. His Lordship also revised the rules and forms of the High Court, which had become obsolete in some respects, and brought them into line with English practice. One important reform which he introduced was in connection with the hearing of Original Side appeals, which formerly were heard only one day in the week, to the immense inconvenience of Counsel and litigants. His Lordship reserved one month for these appeals, and heard them from everyday until the board was disposed off. Jenkins inspired confidence in both parties and pleaders by his great knowledge of law and his anxiety to do justice. Jenkins also did very important work as a member of the Committee appointed by the Government of India to revise and recast the Civil Procedure Code of 1882. The labours of the Committee resulted in the systematic Code of 1908. Jenkins retired from Bombay in 1908. | |