'Bar Must Speak Truth To Power, Challenge Injustice & Stand For The Voiceless': Justice Revati Mohite-Dere Bids Farewell To Bombay High Court

In her farewell address organized at the Bombay High Court on Thursday (January 8) Justice Revati Mohite-Dere–who will be taking over the Office of Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court–asked the bar to "speak truth to power, challenge injustice and stand firmly for the voiceless". 

Notably, the Central Government had on January 1 notified the appointment of Justice Dere as the Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court with effect from the date she assumes charge consequent to the transfer of incumbent Chief Justice.

Speaking at her farewell, Justice Mohite-Dere emphasised on the need of the Bar to "speak truth to power and stand for the voiceless" to keep up the legacy of the Bombay High Court.

She said:

"To the Bar, I would like to say as lawyers, you have the responsibility to the Constitution... Responsibility to be the champions of justice and truth, so speak up fearlessly and advocate tirelessly, and stand unwaveringly for what is right...Your integrity and courage will leave a lasting impact on the society... the power to shape justice is in your hands... do not merely represent clients champion causes... Speak truth to power, challenge injustice and stand firmly for the voiceless... Your voice can make the difference between oppression and freedom.. be the change you seek to uphold and keep the proud legacy of the Bombay HC flying high as always..."

Justice Mohite-Dere shared how the Bombay High Court has been a "foundation" for her career, where she has roamed not only as a judge but as a human being.

"I am mindful of how much this institution has given me...I have learnt that the work of a judge is not only to interpret law but also to uphold the faith that people place in the justice system... In the innumerable hearings, I have witnessed how hope and trust reposed in us by those who approach us in search of justice give a meaning and a profound sense of responsibility to every judgment we render," she said. 

"As I step in new responsibility, I carry with me a simple truth that the essence of the judiciary lies not in the positions we hold, but in the impact we make in the lives of those who seek justice... it lies in fairness, integrity and in compassion...Administration of justice is not an exercise of mind but also of sensitivity, creativity and vision, the qualities that enrich our institutions and ultimately of the lives of those they serve," she added.

The judge said that for her judiciary was never just a profession but a calling. She said that the chance to protect rights, uphold the Constitution and impact a life in a meaningful way was indeed inspiring.

Justice Mohite-Dere however said that the path does require discipline and commitment but the "trust people place in us makes every challenge worthwhile".

Born at Pune, Justice Mohite Dere obtained her law degree from Symbiosis Law College and studied LL.M. at the University of Cambridge, UK. She thereafter joined the Chambers of her father, eminent Senior Advocate Vijayrao A. Mohite and thereafter the Chambers of Barrister Raja S. Bhosale in Mumbai.

She was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court on 21st June, 2013 and was elevated as Judge of the Bombay High Court on 2nd March, 2016.