'Women Advocates, Have Faith In Yourself And Stride Ahead To Achieve All You Want' : Justice B V Nagarathna

In an emotional farewell speech delivered on Friday, she said,

"The message from this leaf in my book which I want women advocates to take note of is, that with access to the right opportunities, each one of you can achieve your dreams. I, therefore, urge each one of you to seek out these opportunities armed with faith in yourself and stride ahead to achieve all that you want to and also give back to society."

She thanked the Chief Justice of India, Sri N.V.Ramana and the Members of the Collegium, Justice Uday Umesh Lalit; Justice A.M.Khanwilkar; Justice Dr. Justice D.Y.Chandrachud and Justice L. Nageswara Rao for having recommended her name to be a Judge of the Supreme Court and also former Chief Justice of India, Justice Sharad Aravind Bobde, who initiated her name for discussion and recommendation. Justice Nagarathna continued, "I humbly believe that my recommendation is a recognition of my merit and rectitude."

She recalled that one of the best decisions of her life was to return from Delhi to Bengaluru to enrol herself as an advocate in the Karnataka Bar Council and commence practice at Bengaluru. She said "I did not wish to reside in the Government accommodation allotted to my father Justice E.S.Venkataramiah, at Delhi and practice there. Now, I find that the circle is being completed."

She remembered that her father had told her that the Bengaluru Bar will nurture her, when she returned to Bengaluru for practise. Justice Nagarathna said, "I am grateful to the Bangalore Bar for the affection, encouragement and guidance that I received during the two decades when I was an advocate. For the last 13½ years, I have received the best cooperation from the advocates at Bengaluru, Dharwad and Kalaburagi."

She expressed that it was not easy to be a daughter of Sri.E.S.Venkataramiah, for, at every moment, her conduct and work has been tested in light of his personality and judged accordingly.

Justice Nagarathna also mentioned that India i.e., Bharat is not just a piece in History or Geography. It is a nation of over a billion people with over a billion dreams. She said the binding factor despite the innumerable diversities was the Indian Constitution, a legal system committed to rule of law and an organised hierarchy of Courts with the Supreme Court at the apex.

She noted that the role of Lawyers and Judges assumes importance, particularly in the face of the myriad problems that the nation is facing today, apart from their traditional role in the dispensation of justice. Commenting on the role of lawyers she said "In an adversarial system as followed in India, the better a case is presented on each side, and a more skilful debate before the Bench, would result in a Judge reaching a sound and just judgment. That is why it has been said that a strong Bar makes a strong Bench."

Thanking her in-laws and husband B.N.Gopala Krishna who has been, and continues to be an unflinching pillar of strength and support throughout our journey of three decades. She said "Behind every successful man there is a woman but, behind every successful woman there is a family."

She thanked all the staff, registrars and others associated with her, by mentioning their names in her speech and said,

"My appeal to them is to render their best services to the Institution so that the flag of Karnataka High Court flies high. Sincerity, Integrity and hard-work must be the motto of the Staff of this Court."

Justice Nagarathna was overwhelmed and tears rolled down her eyes while nearing the end of her speech, she concluded by saying "I have enjoyed my work as an advocate and as a Judge of this Court during the last 34 years. I think my life has been enriched by my association with this RED building and with everybody with whom I have worked and are working here."

She added at the end:

"I would not have achieved this success but for the contribution made by each one of the persons whom I have named and scores of others whom I have not named or referred to but for whose services and association with me in my professional and personal capacity, I would not have made it this far." She also sought pardon, if anybody has been hurt by her. "If at all I have raised my voice, it is only against injustice and not against anybody personally."