Justice Is All About Humanity & Compassion: Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya Bids Farewell To Calcutta High Court

On Wednesday, the Calcutta High Court bid farewell to Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya who was transferred to Telangana High Court after the Supreme Court Collegium accepted her request for transfer.

The ceremony was presided over by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam who said:

I have always believed that it is that the bar who can verify the performance of the judge and I am sure she will be an asset to the Telangana High Court. What is a loss for the HC at Calcutta is a gain for the Telangana HC. 1434 judgements authored by her have been reported in SCC. Her efforts leave a testimony of her erudition and understanding of law.

The Chief Justice also addressed Justice Bhattacharya's contribution to the administrative side of justice delivery, and said: She was nominated by the CJI to be a member of the social-justice committee to prepare a legal glossary on inappropriate gender terms. She was a member of the advisory board of the NALSA, and is now a member of the central committee of the NALSA. She has prepared a handbook for the Supreme Court on the LGBTQ community and also another handbook on access to justice for marginalised section of public.

Addressing her contribution to academics, the Chief Justice said:

She was also a part of a delegation when judges from the UK visited India and presented a paper on the changing demographics of the bar and bench. Recently the Delhi HC organised a seminar with WIPO where she presented a paper on the breach of confidentiality and trade secrets...the day will go on and it will not be sufficient for me to enumerate.

CJ Sivagananam also recalled Justice Bhattacharya's contribution to the administrative affairs of the Calcutta High Court, and acknowledged her efforts in the computer committee, juvenile justice committee, POSH Committee, etc.

In addressing the gathering, Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya expressed her overwhelm with the kind words of the Chief Justice, Advocate General and other speakers.

"Calcutta High Court is distinguishable by it's architecture, but would be nothing without the lawyers who distinguish it from other High Courts. When i took oath i remembered my seniors, and today i express my gratitude to all those who made this journey precious, and i have to say that the members of my chamber, law clerk are a part of my extended family," she said.

Justice Bhattacharya expressed acknowledgement of the assistance provided to her court by counsel, and said that none of the decision making would be possible without their support. She said:

It is up to us to maintain equality and reach out to injustice and realise that any injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everwhere The arc of the moral universe always inveitably bends towards justice and can be streched to be bent towards humanity and compassion. For me, justice is all about compassion. I have always aimed to direct justice to those who may not be as privileged.

To the juniors at the Bar, Justice Bhattacharya advised them to be themselves,and set their own standards, and everything would fall in line. Not being yourself is an injustice. Have an independent voice, don't worry about consequences, she said. 

"This is not a goodbye, just a transition to another relationship. Thank you for making my journey worthwhile. I will miss each of you, will carry you in my thoughts. My immense gratitude to seniors for teaching me and directing me in the law," she concluded.