Gujarat High Court Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal on Monday urged young women lawyers not to allow circumstances, expectations or others’ doubts to limit their achievements.
Addressing her farewell reference at the High Court, Justice Agarwal recalled that she had faced similar obstacles during her career.
“Do not allow circumstances, expectations and doubts of others to determine the limits of your achievements. In my career I have met the same obstacles as you and it was perseverance which carried me through,” said Justice Agarwal.
She called upon women already established at the bar and the bench to guide and encourage younger lawyers.
“To the women already established in the profession on the bench or at the bar whichever rung of the professional ladder you stand on today, hold the hands of those who are climbing up guide them, nurture them and give them the confidence to persevere,” added Justice Agarwal.
Justice Agarwal also offered advice to young members of the Bar, urging them to read extensively, prepare thoroughly and remain humble.
“My advice to you is this, grab whatever opportunity comes your way, read a lot, prepare well as if each case were your first and remain attentive and humble throughout your arguments,” she said.
Justice Agarwal added,
“Success at the bar may come in different forms and at different stages but the reputation you build through integrity, hard work and humility will remain your most lasting asset.”
Justice Agarwal recalled beginning her legal career at the Allahabad High Court at a time when work was scarce and she was uncertain about where her career would lead.
"Whatever I am today and whatever I have achieved I owe to the institution that embraced, nurtured and protected me," she said.
Reflecting on her tenure, Justice Agarwal described the past three years as a turning point in her professional and personal growth and among the most challenging years of her life.
"These years taught me to keep going despite the difficulties around me, to stay grounded and to keep working without losing my grit," she said.
Justice Agarwal also highlighted the High Court's efforts towards automation and digitalisation, including the launch of a pilot for a paperless court.
“Whatever changes we have brought about through our collective efforts all have been directed towards strengthening the institution by institutionalizing every function rather than personalizing it,” noted Justice Agarwal.
Gujarat Advocate General Kamal Trivedi highlighted that Justice Agarwal disposed of around 11,129 cases during her three years and two months as Chief Justice.
In her concluding remarks, Justice Agarwal said she was leaving Gujarat with a sense of having become part of the institution.
"I came to Gujarat to serve this institution and I leave with the feeling that I have become a part of it," she said.
She ended by reminding members of the bench and bar that their individual contributions would form part of the High Court's institutional legacy.
"We are all pages in the history of this institution and what is written on them is in our hands. Offices change and titles pass to others. What remains is our legacy which will pave the way for the next generation," said Justice Agarwal.
Justice Agarwal was elevated to the Supreme Court on Monday along with Chief Justices DK Upadhyaya and Aparesh Kumar Singh. She is the second woman judge, after Justice Bela M Trivedi, from the Gujarat High Court to be elevated to the Supreme Court.
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