Judiciary Is Citizens' Last Resort, Judges Must Hear Advocates Patiently: Justice K Natarajan Bids Farewell To Kerala High Court

The remarks were made by Justice Natarajan during the farewell address, during the Full Court Reference held at the Kerala High Court as he is retiring from office on 05 November.

“You may agree with me that the judiciary is the last resort for citizens seeking justice and this institution in which the public placed trust on it. We must therefore hear the advocates patiently, treat them courteously and determine the rights in accordance with law rather than disposing of the case for statistical purposes.” Justice Natarajan said.

Justice Natarajan, having completed nearly 24-and-a-half years in judicial service, said he was demitting office with a sense of fulfilment. He expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice, fellow judges, the Advocate General, the KHCAA and members of the Bar for their affection and support.

Recalling his transfer to Kerala, he said the opportunity to serve in the State had been a blessing. He said that Kerala was his first choice of posting in case of his transfer and added that he had developed a deep connection with the State over the years, having visited it regularly on pilgrimages since 1995.

“I consider this as a privilege to serve in Kerala, the land known as God's own country. I became familiar with Kerala for nearly three decades. Since 1995 I have regularly visited Kerala for pilgrimage to Guruvayoor, Chottanikkara and Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple, My visit to these places have fostered a deep spiritual connection with this State. I consider the opportunity to serve the people of Kerala as a blessing bestowed upon me.." the judge said

Acknowledging that judges were also human beings and subject to the authority of statutes, he emphasised the importance of discharging judicial responsibilities with fairness and impartiality.

He also expressed gratitude to the judges and senior members of the judiciary who had guided his professional journey, particularly Justice R V Raveendran, whom he described as his mentor, and other former judges who had played an instrumental role in shaping his career.

Justice Natarajan made special mention of the support extended by judicial colleagues, court officers, registry staff, protocol personnel, medical officers and other employees of the Kerala High Court during his tenure in the State. He also acknowledged the assistance and cooperation he received from members of the Bar in various districts.

On a personal note, he recalled that his parents were uneducated and that he was the first graduate and lawyer in his family. He said that when he sought admission to law college, many had discouraged him, but his parents stood firmly behind him and provided the encouragement and strength that enabled him to pursue his ambitions.

He expressed gratitude to his wife and children, particularly acknowledging the sacrifices and support of his family throughout his demanding judicial career. He also thanked friends, former colleagues and well-wishers who had continued to stand by him even after his transfer to Kerala.

Concluding his address, Justice Natarajan said that he had always endeavoured to treat every advocate without discrimination and uphold the principles of justice. He expressed regret if his conduct in the discharge of judicial duties had knowingly or unknowingly hurt anyone, clarifying that such instances, if any, would never have been personal.

“I will always cherish the memories of my service, the relationship I have built and the opportunities .. for the course of justice,” he concluded.

Justice Natarajan, born in Bengaluru, got enrolled as an advocate in the Karnataka Bar in 1992. He started his career under the guidance of Sri. V Jagadish Gowda, advocate in Bengaluru and started his independent legal practice in 1995.

He was appointed as a panel advocate in New India Assurance Company and later selected as a District and Sessions Judge on 27.05.2002. His judicial career included roles in various districts including Kalaburagi, Bengaluru, Bellary, Dharwad, and Shivamogga districts. He served in multiple key positions, including Registrar (Review and Statistics), Registrar (Recruitment) (High Court), Presiding Officer in Labour Court, Chikmagalur; Principal Secretary to Government of Karnataka (Law Department), and Principal Judge (Family Court), Bengaluru. He was elevated as Additional Judge in the High Court of Karnataka on 03.11.2018 and became a Permanent Judge on 26.02.2020.

Chief Justice Soumen Sen, in his address, traced Justice Natarajan's professional journey from his early days in the legal profession to his elevation to the High Court.

Chief Justice Sen highlighted Justice Natarajan's contribution to both judicial and administrative responsibilities. Apart from his judicial work, he served on committees dealing with juvenile justice, the POCSO Act, security and maintenance of the High Court. His contributions to the institution and his engagement with judicial officers and court staff were also acknowledged.

Describing him as a person of firm convictions and a strong sense of justice, the Chief Justice said his judicial career stood as a testament to his commitment to the administration of justice.

“His judicial output during this period is particularly commendable. Throughout, he has remained conscious of the responsibility attached to the judicial office, demonstrating and understanding of both the authority vested in charge and the constitutional restraint that governs the exercise of judicial power.” Justice Soumen Sen said

Advocate General Jaju Babu described Justice Natarajan's judicial career as a journey of learning, responsibility and service to the cause of justice. He recalled that Justice Natarajan's judicial journey began within a decade of his enrolment as an advocate and included 16 years of service in the district judiciary across various districts in Karnataka.

Jaju Babu observed that Justice Natarajan was an affable and approachable judge who earned the respect of colleagues and lawyers alike. His commitment to fairness and impartiality was reflected in the manner in which he treated advocates, irrespective of their seniority. His ability to balance procedural fairness with practical wisdom, acquired through years of judicial experience, was also appreciated.

He further noted that the judge's composure, smiling demeanor and patient approach to hearings helped ease the pressures faced by advocates appearing before him.

Peeyus A Kottam, the President of the Kerala High Court Advocates' Association (KHCAA) said that although Justice Natarajan's tenure in the Kerala High Court lasted only about one and a half years, it was sufficient for the Bar to appreciate his distinctive approach to judicial proceedings.

He said that Justice Natarajan treated every lawyer with consideration, irrespective of whether they were senior or junior, and discharged his judicial responsibilities with courage and fairness. His handling of civil matters, service matters and constitutional challenges reflected careful consideration and a profound understanding of the issues involved, he added.