'Have Endeavoured To Uphold Litigants' Sacred Trust In Courts With Integrity': Kerala High Court Justice MB Snehalatha In Farewell Address

Speaking at her farewell reference at the Kerala High Court on Friday (May 29) Justice M.B. Snehalatha said that each day on the bench reminded her of the trust placed by litigants in courts, adding that this trust is sacred and the she has endeavoured to uphold it with integrity, patience and impartiality.

The event was attended by the judges of the Court, the Advocate General Jaju Babu, the Director General of Prosecutions T.A. Asaf Ali, the Additional Advocate Generals Mohammed Shah and K.C. Vincent, Additional Solicitor General of India P. Sreekumar, Deputy Solicitor General of India O.M. Shalina, Justice Snehalatha's family members, advocates and staff members.

In her farewell speech, Justice Snehalatha said:

"The judicial journey is unlike any other profession. Every day brings with questions affecting the lives, liberties, rights and aspirations of people. To have been entrusted with such responsibility has been the greatest honour of my life. Each day on the Bench reminded me of the immense trust that litigants place in the courts. That trust is sacred and I have endeavoured to the best of my abilities to uphold it with integrity, patience and impartiality."

She also expressed her gratitude to her colleague judges, mentor late Advocate Viswanathan Mannali, members of the Bar, court staff and all of her personal staff and research assistant:

"Whatever little I may have achieved was possible because of the cooperation of my learned colleagues on the Bench, erudite members of the Bar and staff of the Court. I specially acknowledge the support, love and goodwill extended to me by my learned brother Justice Devan Ramachandran with whom I had the privilege of sharing the Bench for more than one year...Law can be learnt from books but wisdom, patience and fairness are lessons imparted by great mentors. Whatever balance and restraint, I could maintain on the Bench came from my senior late Advocate Viswanathan Mannali, who taught be justice must always be tempered with humanity. A judge can perform effectively only with the assistance of responsible and enlightened Bar. The quality of justice rendered by any court depends upon the assistance rendered by the legal fraternity. i specially acknowledge the assistance, support and cooperation of the Bar in strengthening the justice delivery process. Courts function not only because of judges and lawyers but because of the quite dedication of countless staff members, who ensure that the institution moves forward every single day."

Dr. Justice A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar also spoke on the occasion.

"Her tenure in the Bench has been defined, not simply by the passage of years, but by an abiding commitment to justice, unwavering integrity, scholarly excellence and deep compassion for those who sought justice before this Court...Beyond her judicial work, Justice Snehalatha has been a gracious colleague and a source of encouragement to many within this institution. Her humility, balanced temperament and gracious conduct enriched the collective spirit of this Court and strengthen the dignity of the institution she served with distinction. As she steps down today from judicial office, we are reminded that while a judge may retire from the Bench, the values, principles and legacy of service that she leaves behind continue to endure."

In his speech, Justice Nambiar highlighted many important judgments rendered by Justice Snehalatha:

"During her brief but distinguished tenure as a judge of this Court, Justice Snehalatha rendered several remarkable judgments, marked by compassion, balance, and deep constitutional commitment. Her judgments reflect a humane understanding of matrimonial cruelty, recognising the continuing nature of suffering within abusive marriages and the realities faced by victims. At the same time, they reflect a balance approach to public law, carefully reconciling every individual hardship with public interest in matters such as land acquisitions. Equally significant has been her emphasis on the majesty of law, judicial discipline and institutional integrity, reinforcing the fundamental values that sustain public confidence in the justice delivery system."

Justice Nambiar remarked that the female representation in the Bench is affected with Justice Snehalatha's retirement but noted that her career would have inspired the coming generations.

"As she retires today, we honour not only an accomplished judge, but also a pathbreaker who presence in the Bench carried a significance far beyond the courtroom. At a time when gender equality in judicial appointments is being increasingly recognised and debated, her retirement comes, as a kind of set back to our High Court through the resultant reduction in the number of those who offer a feminine perspective in the dispensation of justice. Through her intellect, fairness and quite strength, she inspired confidence in countless women within the legal profession and affirm the principle that the judiciary must reflect the society it serves. Her legacy as judge in our legal system will endure not only in her judgments but also in the doors she helped to open for future generations of women in law."

Advocate General Jaju Babu began his speech by highlighting the 3-decade-long journey of Justice Snehalatha as a judicial officer of the subordinate judiciary.

"Patient hearing, diligent consideration of the lis and rendering just decision, coupled with humility are the hallmarks of an efficient and good judge. Your Ladyship was humility personified as a judge. My lady listened to the arguing lawyers patiently, never cut short arguments of either side and was always accommodative of the Bar. My Lady rendered quality judgments expeditiously. My Lady's humility, approachability and genuine concern for the welfare of the members of the Bar and the Court staff have endured to everyone who had the privilege of interacting with your Ladyship. My Lady has been a judge, who has always remembered that behind every case file lies a human story and justice must not only be done must all touch the hearts of those who seek it," spoke AG Jaju Babu.

In his speech, KHCAA Peeyus A. Kottam appreciated Justice Snehalatha's patience and fairness inside the courtroom:

"Her Ladyship is truly one among us. Despite her vast experience and distinguished career, she never carried herself with any air of superiority. Though the Bar had the opportunity to interact with her Ladyship for only a short period since her appointment..., that brief period was enough for all of us to recognise her remarkable judicial quality...From the perspective of the Bar, Justice Snehalatha was always calm, approachable, smiling and courteous. She never exercised judicial power with aggression towards members of the Bar. Instead, with patience and a pleasant smile, she was always prepared to hear every argument and address every submission with fairness and composure. As a member of the Bar, what we primarily expect from a judge is a willingness to listen, to hear us with patience and consider our submissions with an open mind. Fortunately for us, her Ladyship embodied those very qualities."

Born in Ernakulam District, Justice Snehalatha completed her school education from I.I.V.U.P School, Malippuram and Santa Cruz High School, Ochanthuruth. The judhe obtained LL.B from Government Law College, Ernakulam and LL.M from Mahatma Gandhi University.

Justice Snehalatha enrolled as an Advocate in December 1987 and practiced at courts at Kochi. The judge joined the Kerala Judicial Service as Munsiff- Magistrare in 1995. She was promoted as District Judge in 2014. On April 25, 2024 Justice Snehalatha was sworn-in as Additional Judge of the high court. She was appointed as Permanent Judge of the High Court w.e.f. March 4, 2026.