Justice Chitta Ranjan Dash, who retired from the Calcutta High Court on Monday, attributed much of his personal development to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), an organization he has been connected with since childhood. In his farewell speech, Justice Dash expressed gratitude to the RSS for instilling courage, integrity, patriotism, and a strong work ethic in him.

"I owe a lot to one organization," Dash stated. "From my childhood until my youth, the RSS helped shape my character, teaching me to be courageous, upright, and patriotic, and to treat everyone with equality."

Justice Dash revealed that he has been a member of the RSS but distanced himself from the organization upon becoming a judge. He emphasized that he has handled all cases impartially, without bias towards any political party.

"For the past 37 years, I have kept my distance from the RSS due to my judicial duties. I have never used my association with the organization for career advancement, as it goes against our principles," he explained. "I have treated everyone equally, whether they are from the Communist Party, BJP, Congress, or TMC. My approach to justice has been based on empathy and the principle that while laws can be flexible to ensure justice, justice should never be compromised to fit the law."

Justice Dash, originally from Odisha, began his legal career in 1986. He joined the Odisha judicial service in 1999, serving as an Additional District and Sessions Judge in various locations. Later, he was appointed Registrar (Administration) of the Orissa High Court. On October 10, 2009, he was elevated to the position of additional judge of the Orissa High Court and transferred to the Calcutta High Court on June 20, 2022.