"Angane njanum Malayali aayi": Kerala High Court Justice Amit Rawal in farewell speech

The Kerala High Court on Friday held a farewell ceremony in honour of Justice Amit Rawal, who will retire from office on September 21, 2025.

Justice Rawal, in his farewell speech, started by reflecting on his formative years in Chandigarh, which had helped in shaping his early judicial career.

He said that it was only after he was elevated as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court that he realised that being a judge was not merely about interpreting the law but delivering justice with compassion, integrity, and a conscience that never sleeps.

"Though I retire today from the Kerala High Court with deep gratitude for this chapter, my heart bows in reverence to the Court where it all began, that is the Punjab and Haryana High Court. It will forever beat in the heart of my judicial journey. My first calling, my foundation, my forever home," the judge added.

Justice Rawal went on to note that Kerala has come to hold a special place in his heart.

Recalling his transfer to the Kerala High Court in 2019, Justice Rawal expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome he received, despite the challenges of adapting to a new linguistic and judicial environment.

He fondly remembered participating in the Onam festival and immersing himself in the rich culture of the state, stating that the experience strengthened his bond with Kerala.

Speaking a few words in Malayalam, Justice Rawal added,

"Anganne, njanum Malayali aayi, Onam koodi, Maveliye kandu, sadhya undu.",

(Translation: "And like that, I too became a Malayali, celebrated Onam, saw King Mahabali, and enjoyed the sadhya feast.")

He described working at the Kerala High Court as a deeply rewarding experience, which helped in transforming his professional as well as personal life.

He praised the dedication of the Bar and Bench alike, noting their role in nurturing a vibrant legal environment and fostering professional growth among younger lawyers.

Drawing from his own journey, he advised the young lawyers,

"Success is not determined by where you start, but by how consistently and courageously you move forward. Believe in yourself, stay committed, work sincerely, dream without limits, and with hard work, you will reach exactly where you envisioned."

He went on to emphasise that justice is not a destination, but a journey.

"As I move into retirement, I carry with me not just the experience of law but the warmth of the people, the richness of the courtrooms, the legacy of two High Courts which gave me the honour of serving them. Justice, which is not a destination but a journey, one that must continue stronger and more compassionately, with each passing generation. To those who remain in service, may you carry forward this torch with courage, conviction and humility," Justice Rawal said.

The ceremonial proceedings were held yesterday afternoon. The event saw the attendance of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and other High Court judges.

Others who spoke at the event included Chief Justice Jamdar, Advocate General Gopalakrishnan Kurup and President of the Kerala High Court Advocates' Association (KHCAA), Yeshwanth Shenoy.

Justice Rawal, a native of Chandigarh, was born on September 21, 1963. He completed his schooling at Government Senior Model School, Chandigarh, graduated from DAV College, Chandigarh, in 1983 and obtained his law degree from Punjab University in 1986.

He was enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana the same year.

As a lawyer, Justice Rawal represented clients across diverse courts and regulatory bodies, handling cases in civil law, matrimonial disputes, company law, and writs challenging the vires of statutes.

He was designated a Senior Advocate by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2012 and also served as Additional Advocate General in Punjab.

He was elevated as an additional judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in September 2014 and was made a permanent judge in May 2016.

In November 2019, he was sworn in as a judge of the Kerala High Court, where he has since served for nearly six years.

With his retirement the working strength of the High Court of Kerala has come down to 42, with 30 permanent judges including the Chief Justice and 12 additional judges.

[Live Coverage]