Justice Jawalkar retires after over 11k rulings, gets emotional farewell

Nagpur: On the final working day before Bombay high court's Nagpur bench broke for summer vacation, the usually austere court premises gave way to an emotional farewell steeped in tradition, music and visible affection for a departing judge.As Justice Mukulika Jawalkar's official car slowly rolled out of the high court premises on Friday evening, fellow judges — led by Administrative Judge Anil Kilor — stepped forward to push the vehicle by hand, a longstanding tradition at the Nagpur bench reserved for retiring judges on their final day in office. The moment drew applause and moist eyes from lawyers, court staff and judicial officers gathered outside the main building. Justice Jawalkar, accompanied by her daughter and other relatives during the ceremonial departure, appeared emotional as she acknowledged colleagues and court employees who lined the pathway. Moments earlier, a ceremonial band performance filled the court complex as judges assembled for the farewell ritual.Justice Jawalkar retired after a judicial tenure spanning nearly six-and-a-half years, during which she delivered more than 11,000 judgments and orders. Over the years, she built a reputation for patient hearings, measured courtroom conduct and judgments that lawyers frequently described as balancing legal precision with human sensitivity. The formal farewell ceremony was held a day earlier inside the court premises. Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar joined the programme virtually and described her approach to justice as deeply compassionate and people-centric. "Sensitivity towards ordinary citizens and litigants is no longer merely a virtue but a necessity of life," the Chief Justice said, observing that Justice Jawalkar consistently reflected that principle in her judicial work and courtroom conduct. He praised her calm temperament, disciplined work ethic and scholarly approach while noting that she remained approachable to lawyers and litigants alike.Several speakers noted that her judgments often reflected not only strict adherence to law but also a deeper awareness of the human consequences of litigation.In her farewell remarks, Justice Jawalkar thanked fellow judges, advocates and court employees for their support throughout her tenure.