Justice Gautam Patel, retiring from the Bombay High Court on April 25, urges lawyers to seriously consider offers of judgeship, emphasizing its privilege.
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MUMBAI: On Monday(22nd April), A farewell ceremony organized by the Advocates Association of Western India, Justice Gautam Patel of the Bombay High Court delivered a speech highlighting the importance of lawyers who are offered the opportunity to become judges taking such offers seriously.
Justice Patel, who is set to demit office on April 25, emphasized that being extended an offer to be a judge is a privilege that should not be taken lightly.
During his address, Justice Patel advised-
“When presented with the opportunity for judgeship, it’s crucial to give it serious thought. There are two main reasons for this. While financial aspects may vary, it’s essential to consider beyond that. Despite concerns of isolation, it’s not necessarily the case. We simply need to exercise caution. Sometimes, personal and family matters can be overshadowed, which isn’t ideal.”
Justice Patel encouraged lawyers to understand the value of being offered a judgeship, highlighting that not everyone gets this chance.
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“It’s important because not everyone gets asked. Just being asked is a privilege,” he stressed. “Becoming a judge isn’t about writing amazing judgments or changing the world. It’s about serving and doing a job that few are asked to do. But once you do it, no matter how big your practice is, being a judge opens up your horizons in incredible ways,”
– he explained.
Justice Patel also shared his insights and experiences as a High Court judge. He emphasized the importance for judges who are elevated from the Bar to maintain strong relationships with members of the legal profession.
“One important lesson I’ve learned is to stay connected with the legal community. It’s essential to keep communication channels open, maintain relationships, and engage in discussions outside the courtroom,”
–Justice Patel emphasized.
Acknowledging the pressures inherent in the judicial role, he underscored the value of humor and collaboration from the Bar in easing stress during court proceedings.
“Discovering moments of levity during the day’s hearings can often alleviate the weight of the issues,”
– he remarked.
“Although the demands can be intense, the remarkable cooperation from the Bar has been instrumental. Without their support, achieving the same outcomes would have been challenging,”
– he reflected.
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Furthermore, Justice Patel shared a personal tidbit, revealing his passion for filmmaking, which he had pursued prior to entering the legal profession.
“I was really interested in filmmaking, but when I applied to the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, they were on strike. So, I ended up here by chance.”
– he confessed.
Justice Gautam Patel’s farewell speech emphasized the significance of lawyers considering seriously the offers extended to them to become judges. He highlighted the privilege of being asked to serve as a judge and the opportunities it brings.
ABOUT JUSTICE GAUTAM PATEL
Born on April 26, 1962, in Mumbai, Justice Patel is a distinguished legal professional. Graduating from S. Xavier’s College and Government Law College, he practiced law in Mumbai from 1987, specializing in commercial, corporate, and civil litigations, with a focus on environmental public interest cases. He received international recognition in environmental law in 1994. Justice Patel was also actively involved in bar associations and academia, serving as Honorary Secretary of the Bombay Bar Association and lecturing at Government Law College. Additionally, he contributed to newspapers and magazines and served as a trustee for charitable organizations. In 2013, he was appointed as a High Court judge.
