Judge's Career Not Path Filled With Rose Petals : Justice Mary Joseph In Farewell Speech

“I come from a Humble beginning, so it is only fitting that I take my leave in a humble manner,” she said.

She began her speech by saying that her heart is filled with mixed emotions, gratitude, nostalgia and anticipation while retiring. Regarding her life as a judge, she said, “A judge's career is not a path filled with rose petals. I can say for sure that I need no reminder about the same”.

She mentioned that her journey has been marked by "countless trials, challenges, and triumphs".

She said that her endeavour as a judge was to interpret the law and apply the law with impartiality. She added that she was always mindful about the profound impact that her decisions as a judge had on the lives of the people who stood before her.

Remembering her long journey as a district judge for 14 years and then as the judge of the High Court for 6 years. She said, “I have strived to uphold the principles of justice, fairness and integrity. The journey was never easy. “

Justice Joseph expressed her gratitude to fellow judges, staff and other officers of the Court. She also expressed her heartfelt thanks to the lawyer fraternity.

She fondly remembered a quote that she mentioned during swearing in ceremony. She reiterated it on her farewell ceremony too and said, “ I am fully conscious of the fact that judicial power is in fact public trust and the strength of the judiciary is the trust a faith reposed on it by the common man. I am equally conscious about the need to bridge law and justice while administering justice since law is the vehicle to reach the destination of justice."

She said she would be happy if her journey inspired even one junior lawyer that one can achieve any heights through sheer willpower and hard work.

She advised the junior lawyers to equip themselves with knowledge of the law and to present case their case in court with confidence and respect. She also reminded that it is the duty of the bench and senior members of the bar to help the juniors grow.

Ending her farewell speech, Justice Joseph said that her prayers and belief in God have helped her overcome obstacles and challenges faced in her journey.

"Time will arise when history will judge itself. A time will come when truth shall prevail. I hope the retirement life will provide me enough time to pursue some of the dreams cherished by me. My ardent prayer to the Almighty is to give the ability and strength to do good till the end. Thank you and Jai Hind."

Justice Joseph enrolled as an advocate on January 26, 1986, and started her journey as a lawyer practising before Subordinate Courts at Ernakulam and the High Court of Kerala. She held the post of Additional District Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor at District Court, Ernakulam from 1993 till 1996. She began her judicial career as a district judge on December 01, 2001,  and was elevated as an Additional Judge of the High Court of Kerala on April 10, 2015. She was appointed as a Permanent Judge of the High Court of Kerala on April 05, 2017.