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Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal Urges Women Lawyers to Persevere Amid Doubts
In a poignant farewell address at the on Monday, outgoing Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal delivered a powerful message to women in the legal profession: do not allow the doubts, expectations, or circumstances imposed by others to define the limits of your achievements. The address, held before her elevation to the , resonated deeply with the bench and bar alike, as Justice Agarwal reflected on her three-year tenure as Chief Justice and shared hard-earned wisdom with the next generation of lawyers.
Justice Agarwal, whose elevation to the Supreme Court was formally notified by the on the same day, encouraged established women lawyers to extend a helping hand to those still climbing the professional ladder. “Hold the hands of those who are climbing up, guide them, nurture them, and give them the confidence to persevere,” she remarked, emphasizing the need for collective mentorship over individual success.
A Journey of Perseverance and Institutional Growth
Justice Sunita Agarwal began her legal career practicing on the civil side at the , where she took her first steps into the majestic building “with no certainty about where the road would lead.” She was elevated as an Additional Judge of the in , made Permanent Judge in , and subsequently became the Chief Justice of the in . Her journey from uncertainty to the highest echelons of the judiciary was a central theme of her farewell address.
During her speech, Justice Agarwal acknowledged the profound impact of her time at the , calling it a turning point for both her professional and personal growth. “Last three years have been a turning point for my professional and personal growth… These years taught me to keep going despite the difficulties around me. To stay grounded and to keep working without losing my grit,” she said.
The Chief Justice also paid tribute to her brother and sister judges for their collaborative spirit, particularly in automating daily functioning and launching a pilot for a . “I strongly believe that the and the judiciary must aspire to be the best in the country. Today I can say with pride that we are already there in many areas,” she declared, underscoring the institution’s digitalization efforts as a model for other courts.
Advising the Next Generation: Integrity, Humility, and Hard Work
Justice Agarwal’s advice to young members of the bar was both practical and inspirational. She urged them to seize every opportunity, read extensively, and prepare thoroughly for each case as if it were their first. “Remain attentive and humble throughout arguments. Learn from lawyers you admire. And give attention to how you conduct yourself, towards the court and towards one another,” she advised.
She emphasized that success at the bar may come in different forms and at different stages, but the reputation built through integrity, hard work, and humility remains a lawyer’s most lasting asset. This message is particularly timely for junior advocates navigating a challenging legal landscape in an era of increasing competition and digital transformation.
A Legacy of Mentorship and Institutional Strength
Throughout her address, Justice Agarwal repeatedly highlighted the importance of leaving a meaningful legacy for the next generation. “We are all pages in the history of this institution. And what is written on them is in our hands. Offices change and titles pass on to others, and what remains is our legacy which paves the way for the next generation,” she reflected.
Her call to established women lawyers to mentor those coming up the ranks is especially significant in the context of gender diversity in the Indian judiciary. With her elevation, the number of women judges in the Supreme Court has increased to three—a modest but important milestone. Justice Agarwal becomes the second woman judge recommended by the led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, following the elevation of Justice V. Mohana earlier.
Implications for the Legal Profession
Justice Agarwal’s farewell address offers several takeaways for legal professionals across the country. Her emphasis on perseverance in the face of obstacles, the duty of senior lawyers to mentor juniors, and the importance of institutional integrity serves as a timely reminder of the values that sustain the justice system.
For women lawyers, her words carry particular weight. By openly acknowledging the obstacles she faced—“I have met the same obstacles as you”—and attributing her success to perseverance, Justice Agarwal provides a relatable example of how to navigate a profession historically dominated by men. Her call for senior women to “hold the hands of those who are climbing up” could inspire more structured mentorship programmes within bar associations.
Moreover, her pride in the ’s digitalization efforts points to a broader trend in Indian judiciary: the shift toward paperless courts and automated processes. As the Supreme Court and various high courts push for and , Justice Agarwal’s leadership in this area sets a benchmark for other jurisdictions.
Conclusion
Justice Sunita Agarwal’s farewell at the was more than a ceremonial goodbye—it was a masterclass in leadership, humility, and the enduring power of perseverance. As she moves to the Supreme Court, her legacy at the will be measured not only by the judgments she delivered but by the culture of mentorship and institutional pride she nurtured. Her final words to the bar—that each person is a page in the history of the institution—serve as a reminder that even the highest offices are temporary, but the example we set lasts for generations.
