Newly-appointed Supreme Court Judge Justice V. Mohana on Thursday described her return to the Supreme Court as “coming back to my maika (parental home)” while addressing a felicitation ceremony organised by the Supreme Court Ladies Bar Association (SCLBA) to mark her elevation to the country’s highest court.
Addressing an audience comprising the Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, Justice BV Nagarathna, senior advocates and members of the Bar, Justice Mohana reflected on her long association with the Supreme Court as an advocate before joining the Bench. “I feel as if I have come back to my maika,” she said, drawing a warm round of applause from those present. The remark captured her emotional bond with the institution where she practised for several years before her appointment as a judge.
Expressing gratitude to the members of the SCLBA for the warm welcome, Justice Mohana acknowledged the pivotal role played by the legal fraternity in shaping her professional journey. She recalled her years at the bar and thanked her seniors, colleagues and friends for their guidance, encouragement and unwavering support throughout her career.
Highlighting the growing presence of women in the legal profession, Justice Mohana paid tribute to the contribution of women lawyers to the administration of justice. She stressed the importance of mentorship, mutual support and professional excellence, urging young women advocates to pursue their careers with dedication, integrity and perseverance.
Delivering a significant message to aspiring judges, Justice Mohana said elevation to the bench should never be viewed as an entitlement. She observed that women advocates aspiring to become judges must earn that distinction through hard work, passion, competence and respect for the profession rather than believing that gender alone qualifies them for judicial office.
Reflecting on her own journey from advocate to judge, Justice Mohana said that every stage of her career brought fresh responsibilities and valuable lessons. She encouraged young members of the Bar to remain committed to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism, adding that sincere effort and perseverance are eventually recognised.
The ceremony celebrated not only her appointment to the Supreme Court but also her distinguished journey from advocate to constitutional court judge.
Congratulating Justice Mohana, CJI Surya Kant said that her elevation would inspire generations of young women lawyers to place their faith in the legal profession and aspire to serve on the Bench through merit and perseverance.
Justice Nagarathna also extended her warm wishes and, in a lighter vein, advised Justice Mohana to “forget the Bar and be the Bench” during her judicial tenure. She candidly remarked that being the only woman judge on the Supreme Court for a considerable period had often felt lonely, and expressed happiness that Justice Mohana’s appointment had strengthened the representation of women on the Bench.
Justice Mohana’s warmth and humility resonated throughout the evening. In a gesture appreciated by members of the Bar, she personally met and interacted with lawyers present at the function. Observing the overwhelming attendance at the event, she jokingly promised to request the Chief Justice of India to allot a larger room for future gatherings of the Ladies Bar Association.
An emotional moment marked the conclusion of the ceremony when Pragya Baghel, Secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), presented Justice Mohana with her original SCBA membership application form dating back to 1993. The unexpected memento visibly moved Justice Mohana, bringing her remarkable journey, from a young advocate enrolling with the Supreme Court Bar to a Judge of the Supreme Court, full circle.
The post Justice Mohana says returning to Supreme Court ladies bar feels like coming back to her paternal home appeared first on India Legal.