Retiring Madhya Pradesh High Court Judge Pledges ₹1.1 Crore GPF Benefits to PM CARES Fund
(Judicial Quest News Network)
Jabalpur, September 18, 2026: In a notable gesture of public service, Justice Avanindra Kumar Singh of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has announced his decision to donate his entire General Provident Fund (GPF) entitlement estimated at approximately ₹1.1 crore to the Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM CARES) Fund.
Justice Singh made the announcement during his farewell reference held on September 17, ahead of his retirement from the Bench.
Clarifying that the contribution would be made after the retirement benefits were received, he described the initiative as a step towards nation-building and social responsibility.
The retiring Judge also disclosed that he and his wife had pledged their bodies for donation to a medical institution after their demise.
The donation, he said, would support medical education, scientific research and other academic purposes.
Explaining the philosophy behind his decisions, Justice Singh said that service to society extends beyond personal worship and must include care for fellow citizens and the wider community.
He invoked the principle, “If one lives only for oneself, what kind of life is that?”
Justice Singh further expressed gratitude to Chief Justice A.Y. Kogje, whom he described as a jurist of exceptional distinction, as well as to the judges, advocates, Registry officials, administrative authorities and mentors who had contributed to his 37-year judicial career.
Reflecting on his formative years, the Judge recalled the influence of his father and maternal aunt, who raised him after the loss of his mother during his childhood.
Quoting his aunt’s advice, he observed that success achieved without hard work and sincerity is unlikely to endure.
Justice Singh joined the judicial service as a Civil Judge, Class II, on May 31, 1990.
He subsequently served as Principal District Judge in Chhatarpur and Dhar before being elevated to the Madhya Pradesh High Court on May 1, 2023. He demitted office upon reaching retirement on September 18, 2026.
In his concluding remarks, Justice Singh said that retirement should not be viewed as an end to public service, but as the commencement of a new chapter through a different platform.
