Kerala High Court held a farewell to Justice Amit Rawal, who reflects on his judicial journey, emphasizing that “justice is a journey, not a destination,” inspiring lawyers and legal professionals alike.
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KERALA: The Kerala High Court gathered for a farewell ceremony in honour of Justice Amit Rawal who will retire from office on September 21, 2025.
Justice Rawal began his farewell by tracing his roots back to Chandigarh, where his formative years and early legal training laid the foundation for a career in the law. Elevated to the bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, he said he realized early on that judging is not merely the mechanical interpretation of statutes but an exercise that demands compassion, integrity, and a conscience that never sleeps.
That sense of vocation followed him when he was transferred to the Kerala High Court in November 2019. He spoke warmly of the state and its people, a place that, despite linguistic and cultural differences, embraced him and enriched his life both professionally and personally.
“Though I retire today from the Kerala High Court with deep gratitude for this chapter, my heart bows in reverence to the Court where it all began, that is the Punjab and Haryana High Court. It will forever beat in the heart of my judicial journey. My first calling, my foundation, my forever home.”
Justice Rawal spoke a few lines in Malayalam, a small tribute to the culture that welcomed him:
“Anganne, njanum Malayali aayi, Onam koodi, Maveliye kandu, sadhya undu.”
(“And like that, I too became a Malayali, celebrated Onam, saw King Mahabali, and enjoyed the sadhya feast.”)
That lighthearted confession captured a deeper truth: adaptation often becomes belonging. He recalled participating in Onam and immersing himself in Kerala’s traditions, experiences that helped forge lasting bonds with the Bar, the Bench, and the wider community.
Drawing on decades of practice and nearly eleven years on the bench, Justice Rawal offered pointed advice to the younger generation of lawyers:
“Success is not determined by where you start, but by how consistently and courageously you move forward. Believe in yourself, stay committed, work sincerely, dream without limits, and with hard work, you will reach exactly where you envisioned.”
He reminded the audience that justice is not a final destination but an ongoing journey — one that every participant in the legal system must continue with courage, conviction, and humility.
Justice Rawal spoke about transformation, not only of cases decided and judgments authored, but of character shaped by service. Working across two major High Courts, Punjab & Haryana and Kerala, he said, enriched his perspective and deepened his commitment to fairness tempered by empathy.
He praised the dedication of both Bench and Bar in Kerala for nurturing a robust legal environment and helping younger lawyers grow. He also acknowledged the personal rewards of his posting: friendships, cultural immersion, and a sense of fulfilment that transcends professional achievement.
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The farewell was attended by Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar, fellow High Court judges, Advocate General Gopalakrishnan Kurup, and Yeshwanth Shenoy, President of the Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association (KHCAA), among others, who paid tribute to Justice Rawal’s contributions.
The ceremonial proceedings, held the day before his retirement, blended formal appreciation with informal recollections, as colleagues celebrated not just a jurist, but a mentor and a human being who took the bench seriously and life lightly.
A Distinguished Career
Born on September 21, 1963, in Chandigarh, Justice Rawal’s legal journey is marked by steady achievement:
- Schooling: Government Senior Model School, Chandigarh.
- Graduated: DAV College, Chandigarh (1983).
- LL.B.: Punjab University (1986); enrolled as an advocate the same year.
- Practice: Diverse experience across civil law, matrimonial disputes, company law, and constitutional writs.
- Designation: Senior Advocate, Punjab & Haryana High Court (2012).
- Public Office: Served as Additional Advocate General in Punjab.
- Judicial Elevation: Additional Judge (Sept 2014), Permanent Judge (May 2016) — Punjab & Haryana High Court.
- Transfer & Swearing-in: Judge, Kerala High Court (Nov 2019).
At the time of his retirement, the working strength of the Kerala High Court stood at 42 judges (30 permanent, including the Chief Justice, and 12 additional judges).
Justice Rawal, while concluding, stated:
“As I move into retirement, I carry with me not just the experience of law but the warmth of the people, the richness of the courtrooms, the legacy of two High Courts which gave me the honour of serving them. Justice, which is not a destination but a journey, one that must continue stronger and more compassionately, with each passing generation.”
