'Audience With The Gavel': Memoir On Justice Pankaj Mithal Released At Supreme Court

A memoir titled Audience With The Gavel, chronicling the life and career of Supreme Court Judge Justice Pankaj Mithal, was released at the Supreme Court of India. Authored by Kunal Vepa, Principal District Judge and Director of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), the book offers a reflective account of the distinguished jurist's personal and professional experiences.

Written in an unconventional and engaging style, the memoir moves between the present and the past, weaving together judicial milestones, personal reflections and memorable anecdotes. The narrative traces different phases of Justice Mithal's life and career, offering readers a glimpse into the experiences and influences that shaped his journey to the Supreme Court.

The book was released by Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant in the presence of Supreme Court Judges Justice Vikram Nath, Justice J.K. Maheshwari, Justice B.V. Nagarathna, Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice Pankaj Mithal during the Judges' Retirement Felicitation held in honour of Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Pankaj Mithal.

The event was attended by several members of the legal fraternity, including former Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana, the Attorney General for India, the Solicitor General of India, representatives of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA), and other distinguished guests.

The memoir received appreciation from members of the judiciary for its distinctive narrative approach and portrayal of Justice Mithal's life and values. Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant praised the work for depicting a journey marked by scholarship, judicial restraint and unwavering fidelity to the institution of justice, while describing it as a more intimate and engaging account than a conventional biography.

Justice Vikram Nath observed that the book presents not only Justice Mithal's public life but also the warmth, simplicity and personal qualities admired by those who know him closely. Justice Sanjay Karol noted that the memoir portrays both the judge and the individual behind the robe, while Justice Manoj Misra described it as a journey shaped by perseverance, discipline, integrity and devotion to the institution of justice.

Justice S.V.N. Bhatti highlighted Justice Mithal's empathy, discretion and commitment to the touchstones of law, while Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court Justice Arun Bhansali praised the memoir's thoughtful narrative style, noting that it blends memory, mentorship and institutional history through reflective conversations with young law students.