"Hardworking And Disciplined Judge" : CJI Ramana Bids Farewell To Justice Khanwilkar

Chief Justice of India NV Ramana described colleague Justice AM Khanwilkar as a "hardworking and a disciplined judge" on the occasion of his farewell.

"Brother Justice Khanwilkar has always been a very hard-working and disciplined Judge. His work ethic is clear for all to see. He has authored more than 187 judgments and has disposed of nearly 8446 cases in the Supreme Court", CJI said speaking at the farewell ceremony organized by the Supreme Court Bar Association for the number 3 judge of the Supreme Court.

Justice Khanwilkar was elevated to the Supreme Court on 13th May, 2016. His judicial career started as judge of the Bombay High Court on on 29th March, 2000. Before that, he was practising as an advocate at the Supreme Court since 1984. Prior to his elevation to the Supreme Court, Justice Khanwilkar served as the the Chief Justice of the High Courts of Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

At the farewell ceremony, CJI mentioned that Justice Khanwilkar, during his days as a lawyer, was appointed as an amicus curiae by the Supreme Court in the "MC Mehta Case" relating to pollution control.

"In Swapnil Tripathy v. Supreme Court of India, Brother Justice Khanwilkar, writing for the majority, made live streaming of Court proceedings a possibility. He was a part of the Constitution Bench in Public Interest Foundation v. Union of India which made the disclosure of criminal antecedents of contesting candidates mandatory. In Kalpana Mehta v. Union of India, Brother Justice Khanwilkar was a member of the Constitution bench which held that judicial notice of Parliamentary Standing Committee Reports can be taken", CJI said.

While reminiscing upon his journey in the field of law, Justice Khanwilkar mentioned that after 40 long years, he was still trying to grapple with the thought that he was leaving the legal profession. He stated that whatever recognition he had gained was because of the legal profession. He also said that-

"The heights which I could achieve to the extent possible, is all because of the strength of the Supreme Court Bar Association where I practiced and was a member..."

While looking back at the days when he was an office bearer of the SCORA, he stated that at that time the association barely had any members and that Advocates on Records were often persuaded to become members of the Association. Justice Khanwilkar stated that seeing the numbers swell up to 2500 was really heartening. He also stated that the membership of the Supreme Court Bar Association, which was now 15000, which he stated was almost like a constituency of a corporation election, was extremely impressive.

Justice Khanwilkar recounted that his journey started from Mumbai where he was mentored by Mr. Prafulla Pradhan and later Mr. Ghanpule, whose office he joined.

He also showed his gratitude to Justice A.P. Sen, Justice Venkatramana and Justice J.S. Varma for their guidance. He recounted that his name was recommended in 1997 and stated that- 

"Justice Chandrachud, Justice Bobde and I sailed together and made it here...I have completed 22 years 4 months exactly on this date...I am thankful to my professional gurus, colleagues and team." 

He also showed appreciation to his juniors who he stated had inspired him and his work.