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Justice Hima Kohli, a distinguished figure in the Indian legal system, recently bid farewell to the Supreme Court of India after a fulfilling career. Her retirement marks the end of a chapter marked by dedication, hard work, and a deep commitment to upholding the principles of justice. In her final address, Justice Kohli offered insights into the demanding nature of her role and the significance of even seemingly minor cases brought before the highest court in the land.
Kohli painted a vivid picture of the sheer volume of cases handled by Supreme Court judges. She revealed that on average, judges handle between 60 to 90 cases for admission alone on a typical day. The days leading up to the admission days were described as a “never-ending marathon” as files poured in, often at the very last minute. Despite this overwhelming workload, Justice Kohli emphasized the importance of thorough preparation for each matter. This, she believed, was essential to ensure that the public, whom she referred to as the ultimate consumers of justice, received the best possible service.
Despite the demanding nature of her work, Justice Kohli spoke about the importance of maintaining a balance between her professional life and her personal life. She acknowledged the challenges of setting aside personal concerns while in court, highlighting the guilt that can arise from adjourning cases. However, she emphasized her commitment to delivering her best to every case, recognizing that each case held weight and potentially impacted the lives of those involved.
Justice Kohli eloquently articulated the unique characteristic of the Supreme Court: its willingness to entertain every case, no matter how insignificant it may seem. She explained that the court deals with matters ranging from complex legal issues to more mundane ones such as traffic violations, bail applications, and family disputes. These “hum drum cases,” as she called them, may not have serious financial implications, but they carry the weight of personal freedom, livelihood, and the very fabric of life for those involved. This, she stressed, underscores the immense responsibility that rests on the shoulders of Supreme Court judges, as they represent the final arbiter of justice in the Indian judicial system.
Looking back on her journey, Justice Kohli expressed gratitude to her mentors, including Justice Ananda Bhandari, Justice VK Sabharwal, and Justice Vijendra Jain, for their guidance and support. She credited them for honing her legal skills, as well as instilling in her the importance of ethical conduct and court etiquette. She recalled the trepidation she felt when first assigned to a bench alongside CJI DY Chandrachud, her college batchmate known for his meticulous preparation and respect for the legal profession.
Justice Kohli's experience at the Supreme Court was undoubtedly a challenging yet fulfilling one. She acknowledged the difficult periods she endured, including her mother's battle with cancer, which coincided with her early months at the court. Despite the challenges, she expressed gratitude for the bonds she forged with her colleagues and law clerks during her tenure. She also expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering support she received from her family, law clerks, court staff, and personal security officers.
In her final words, Justice Kohli announced that she is not retiring but “re-attiring” herself. This transition, she explained, signifies a shift towards a new chapter filled with diverse experiences and pursuits. She intends to continue working while making time for her family, friends, and long-neglected hobbies. With her departure from the Supreme Court, Justice Hima Kohli leaves behind a legacy of dedication, professionalism, and a deep commitment to the principles of justice. Her insights into the inner workings of the Supreme Court provide a valuable glimpse into the challenges and rewards of serving on the highest court in the land.