Justice P Somarajan bids farewell to Kerala High Court with the distinction of record disposal of second appeals

Kerala High Court judge Justice P Somarajan bid farewell to the High Court on Friday, his last working day as a judge..The judge is set to demit office on Saturday, July 13.In his farewell speech at the full court reference held by the High Court in his honour, Justice Somarajan highlighted his case disposal record as a High Court judge."I have the enviable distinction of a record disposal of second appeals in India," he said.He also underscored the role he played during his tenure of nearly 8 years, to ensure speedy disposal of cases at the Kerala High Court. "With due modesty and humility, and without attempting to toot my own horn, I would like to mention two facts: Firstly, I have the enviable distinction of a record disposal of second appeals in India. During my tenure, I can aver with pride that I have accomplished a landmark record of disposal of second civil appeals within a short span of one year and three months... Secondly, I had ensured speedy disposal of almost all old civil appeals including second appeals ranging from 10 to 65 years old during my stint in this prestigious post," he stated.He also recalled that his tenure witnessed the closure of cases that had remained unresolved in the system for decades, including a case that was filed on the day he was born."I also had the opportunity, although it might sound a bit amusing, to dispose of a case that was filed on the day I was born. And some other cases were filed even before my birth. On a lighter note, I’d like to recall that these facts didn't get much recognition, but I see it as part of one's duty, carried out without expecting any applause," he said. .Justice Somarajan further said that he was fortunate to be a part of the Kerala High Court and expressed his gratitude to the Bar and the Bench for giving him an opportunity to serve as a judge and for backing his desires of being impartial and definitive in his decisions.While acknowledging the unwavering support of his family and extending his gratitude to each and every person who helped him discharge his duties well, Justice Somarajan remarked that, "A judge's job entails long hours of work, cut away from normal, familial relationships. The call of duty invariably trumps personal exigencies.".Acting Chief Justice A Muhamed Mustaque, Additional Advocate General Ashok M Cherian and President of the Kerala High Court Advocates' Association Yeshwant Shenoy also spoke at the event.In his speech, Justice Mustaque hailed Justice Somarajan as "one of the finest gentlemen" whose tenure was marked by integrity, impartiality, and a relentless pursuit of justice..Justice Somarajan was born on July 14, 1962, in Kollam. He graduated from SN College before earning his law degree from Government Law College, Thiruvananthapuram. He enrolled as an advocate on June 26, 1988.His judicial career began with his appointment as a District & Sessions Judge on December 1, 2001, at the Additional District Court in Palakkad.His dedication and expertise led him to serve in various significant capacities including Additional District & Sessions Judge & MACT at North Paravur in 2005, and Additional District & Sessions Judge at Thiruvananthapuram in 2008.On December 1, 2009, he was promoted to Selection Grade District & Sessions Judge and later served in roles such as Enquiry Commissioner & Special Judge in Kottayam.His promotion to Super Time District Judge came on January 1, 2013, followed by his time served as District & Sessions Judge in Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta.Justice Somarajan was elevated as an Additional Judge of the Kerala High Court on October 5, 2016 and was confirmed as a permanent judge on March 16, 2018.