As Justice Hima Kohli prepares to retire from the Supreme Court on September 1, 2024, she leaves behind a legacy defined by dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Her farewell speech, delivered at the Supreme Court Bar Association’s (SCBA) farewell function on August 30, 2024, provides a deep insight into the challenges and rewards of serving on India’s highest bench. Through her reflections, Justice Kohli not only offered a glimpse into the intense workload that comes with being a Supreme Court judge but also shared the personal sacrifices and learnings that have shaped her illustrious career.
The Intensity of the Supreme Court’s Workload
Justice Kohli began her address by shedding light on the sheer volume of cases that Supreme Court judges are expected to handle daily. On an average day, judges may go through 60 to 65 cases, and on particularly busy days, the number can soar to 80 or 90 cases. This relentless pace, especially on Mondays and Fridays—days typically reserved for admission hearings—demands an extraordinary level of preparation and focus. The "whirlwind" nature of these days, as Justice Kohli described, is compounded by the constant influx of case files, which often arrive until the very last minute.
For Justice Kohli, this intensity has become a part of the routine. Despite the overwhelming workload, she emphasized that each case, regardless of its complexity or perceived importance, deserves the same level of preparation and attention. “After all, we are here to serve the public who are the real consumers of justice,” she remarked, highlighting the ultimate purpose of the judiciary.
Balancing Judicial Duties and Personal Life
Justice Kohli’s reflections also touched upon the challenge of maintaining a balance between her professional responsibilities and personal life. She candidly shared how difficult it is for judges to take even a single day off without feeling guilty about the pending cases that would be adjourned as a result. The weight of this responsibility is ever-present, she noted, as judges are constantly aware that their decisions directly impact the lives of the litigants and their families.
In court, Justice Kohli has strived to set aside her personal concerns to give her best to her work. This ability to compartmentalize is crucial, she explained, as it enables judges to focus entirely on their judicial duties. However, she also acknowledged the emotional toll that this can take, especially when balancing the demands of the judiciary with the needs of one’s own family.
The Supreme Court: A Court for All
Justice Kohli took pride in the fact that the Supreme Court of India does not consider any matter too insignificant for its attention. Whether dealing with complex constitutional questions or more routine cases like bail applications, labour disputes, and family matters, the court approaches each with the same seriousness and commitment. These "humdrum cases," as she referred to them, may not involve significant monetary stakes, but they often carry profound implications for the lives, liberty, and livelihoods of the parties involved.
This equal treatment of all cases underscores the heavy responsibility that rests on the shoulders of Supreme Court judges. As the final arbiters in the Indian judicial system, they must ensure that justice is not only done but also seen to be done. For Justice Kohli, this has meant grappling with a wide range of legal issues, from the vires of statutes to the fine nuances of constitutional law, all while recognizing the human impact of her decisions.
Reflections on a Judicial Journey
Justice Kohli’s career in the judiciary spans nearly four decades, beginning in 1984 in the chambers of Justice Ananda Bhandari at the Supreme Court. She later moved to the Delhi High Court, where she worked under Justices V.K. Sabharwal and Vijendra Jain. These early experiences, she recalled, were instrumental in shaping her understanding of legal jurisprudence, court craft, and professional ethics.
The lessons she learned from her seniors extended beyond legal knowledge. Justice Kohli shared how they instilled in her the importance of court etiquette and decorum, such as never turning one’s back to the court and always rising to give a seat to a senior colleague. These values, she said, have remained with her throughout her career and have guided her interactions with colleagues, the Bar, and litigants.
Justice Kohli also reflected on her early days at the Supreme Court, where she initially served on a bench alongside Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, her college batchmate. She recalled the trepidation she felt at the time, knowing that she would be working closely with someone renowned for his meticulous preparation and deep respect for the Bar.
Gratitude and Future Plans
In her farewell address, Justice Kohli expressed deep gratitude to her family, law clerks, court staff, and personal security officers for their unwavering support throughout her career. She also acknowledged the new bonds she had formed with colleagues and law clerks during her time at the Supreme Court.
As she prepares to step down from the bench, Justice Kohli made it clear that she does not intend to "hang her boots" just yet. Instead, she sees this transition as an opportunity to "re-attire" herself and explore new avenues in life. She said this will involve making time for family and friends, reigniting her interest in long-forgotten hobbies, and embracing life's different colours.
Justice Hima Kohli’s farewell marks the end of a distinguished chapter in the Indian judiciary, but it also signifies the beginning of a new phase in her life. Her reflections on the challenges and rewards of being a Supreme Court judge, her commitment to justice, and her ability to balance professional and personal life serve as an inspiration to her colleagues and the broader legal community. As she embarks on this new journey, Justice Kohli leaves behind a legacy of dedication, resilience, and a deep sense of duty to the law and the people it serves.
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