NDTV Exclusive: ”Passion of writing poetry, after becoming a judge I had to write judgments” – Retired SC Justice Hima Kohli | NDTV Exclusive: ”Passion of writing poetry, after becoming a judge I had to write judgments”

New Delhi:

Retired judge Justice Hima Kohli has been the 9th woman judge in the history of the Supreme Court. She is the first woman judge of the Supreme Court to come from the Delhi High Court. She has been involved in many historical decisions. Justice Hima Kohli, who has been a supporter of women’s rights, is called a ‘tough’ judge. She has been a judge for 18 years. Justice Hima Kohli, who has always been vocal about women’s rights and is considered a ‘tough’ judge, recently retired from the Supreme Court, had an exclusive conversation with NDTV Senior Editor Legal News Ashish Bhargava on many issues.

Justice Hima Kohli told NDTV, “A woman judge should be tough. Women face more difficulties in the judiciary. In the 1980s, it was very difficult to become a woman judge. Women also faced many difficulties in practicing law. They also have to take care of their family and children. Even now, there are many difficulties in the path of women.”

Why should women judges only run family courts?

He said, “Why should women judges run only family courts? Women judges should be given jurisdictions like IT. Women lawyers face more problems in criminal cases. They do not have many opportunities. First generation lawyers face big challenges. They have no resources, no office and no one to handle files.”

Justice Hima Kohli said, “Common citizens should have faith in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is the biggest court in the country. There are only a few controversial cases. Cases like land acquisition are related to common people. Judges listen to their conscience. People should have faith, the Supreme Court is there to maintain the rule of law. Judges are also human beings, sometimes they make mistakes.”

Justice reached the homes of common people through virtual hearing

Justice Kohli said, “Virtual hearing has brought justice to the homes of common people. Judges have also benefited from technology. As a judge, it is important for us to treat everyone equally. Whatever kind of relationship we have with anyone outside, we should not cross the line. Mutual relations should not come in the way of work. As a judge, we only look at the case. We do not look at the face, but look at the case from the perspective of merit.”

He said, “Judges cannot be cut off from today’s world. We are not in the era of ivory towers. Judges should know the problems of common people. We judges are not on social media, but it is important to look around.”

Advice to young lawyers

Justice Hima Kohli advised the young lawyers. She said, “Young lawyers should sit in the court in their free time. In their free time, go to the library, not the canteen. If there is no case, do not sit at home.”

Justice Hima Kohli told that she likes ‘quick’ cooking. She said, “After becoming a judge, I gave up many things. I was fond of writing poetry, but after becoming a judge, I had to write judgments. I learned gardening from my sister. I was interested in music, but after becoming a judge, I lost touch with music. I am fond of listening to songs, but I could not listen to music even in the car.”

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