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While speaking at her farewell reference on Monday (October 5), Gujarat High Court Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal asked women lawyers in the profession not to let circumstances, expectations and doubts of others to determine the limits of their achievements. 

The Chief Justice asked the women lawyers in the profession who are already established to hold the hands of those female bar members who are climbing up as well as guide them in the profession.

Notably, the Central government today notified Justice Agarwal's elevation to the Supreme Court. 

Addressing the women lawyers the judge said:

"And to the young women in the profession, you are the foremost in my mind in a lot of what I do. My goal is to make this institution a beautiful place for you where you can find yourself and achieve whatever you seek and deserve. Do not allow circumstances, expectations and doubts of others to determine the limits of your achievements.

In my career I have met the same obstacles as you. And it was perseverance which carried me through. To the women already established in the profession, on the bench or at the bar, whichever rung of the professional ladder you stand on today, hold the hands of those who are climbing up, guide them, nurture them and give them the confidence to persevere". 

At the outset, Justice Agarwal said that she finds it difficult to leave the High Court which over the years had assumed immense significance in her life.

"Last 3 years have been a turning point for my professional and personal growth…these years taught me to keep going despite the difficulties around me. To stay grounded and to keep working without losing my grit," the judge said. 

The Chief Justice said that one of the greatest privileges of her time at the high court had been the opportunity to work with her brother and sister judges. The Chief Justice thanked her colleagues who steered multiple committee meetings of the high court and those who consistently guided her in the high court's supervisory role over the district judiciary.

"I must place on record my sincere gratitude to each one of you for enriching experience during my time here. I have learnt much from your wisdom, patience and different perspectives and above all from the spirit of collaboration with which we have worked together. Whatever changes we have brought about through our collectives efforts all have been towards strengthening the institution. I'm proud of my brother and sister judges for automating our daily functioning and for taking the first steps towards digitalization by launching the pilot for a paperless court. As I always said, I strongly believe that the Gujarat High Court and the judiciary must aspire to be best in the country. Today I can say with pride that we are already there in many areas. I commend you all for your efforts and the dedicated efforts you discharged daily," the Chief Justice said. 

The Chief Justice further thanked the bar members, stating that her association with them has been marked by mutual respect. She said that she will always cherish the warmth and the regard that she has received from each one of them. 

Addressing the young members of the bar, the Chief Justice said:

"My advice to you is this: Grab whatever opportunities that come your way. Read a lot, prepare well. As if each case were your first. Remain attentive and humble throughout arguments. Learn from lawyers you admire. And give attention to how you conduct yourself, towards the court and towards one another. Be patient with yourselves. Success at the bar may come in different forms and at different stages but reputation you build through integrity, hardwork and humility, will remain your most lasting asset. 

As a young lawyer when I took my first steps into the majestic building of the Allahabad High Court with no certainty about where the road would lead, whatever I am today and whatever I have achieved I owe to the institution that embraced, nurtured and protected me".

Justice Agarwal further thanked the judicial officers, officers of the Registry and court staff for their dedication, commitment and efficiency.

The Chief Justice further thanked her husband for his constant support and unwavering faith in her as well as her family for standing by her through it all. 

"I came to Gujarat to serve this institution and leave with a feeling that I have become a part of it...I thank each one of you for making my journey so meaningful. As I conclude I would like to leave you with one thought. We are all pages in the history of this institution. And what is written on them is in our hands. Offices change and titles pass on to others and what remains is our legacy which pave the way for the next generation," the Chief Justice said while concluding her speech. 

Justice Sunita Agarwal practiced on the Civil side at Allahabad High Court. She was elevated as Additional Judge on November 21, 2011 and took oath as Permanent Judge on August 6, 2013. She was elevated as Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court and took oath on July 23, 2023.

With the appointment of Justice Agarwal, the strength of women judges in Supreme Court has risen to 3. She is the second woman judge to be recommended by CJI Surya Kant-led Collegium. Earlier, Justice V Mohana was recommended and elevated to the Supreme Court.

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