Fond memory of Delhi High Court, lawyers, staff etched in my heart; Shall carry its ethos and culture with me: Justice Hima Kohli

Delhi High Court judge, Justice Hima Kohli said on Monday that fond memories about Delhi High Court, its lawyers and staff will remain etched in her memory forever. .Justice Kohli, who is slated to take over as Chief Justice of Telangana High Court, was speaking at the virtual Farewell organised for her by the High Court.."The fond memory of this court, the lawyers and the staff shall remain etched in my heart forever. While preparing to dawn a new role in a new High Court, I shall carry with me, the ethos and culture of this High Court. The feeling runs deep and the nostalgia is overwhelming," Justice Kohli said..In her address, Justice Kohli fondly recollected her school life, college days and her family's contribution towards her career. ."The bonhomie and the camaraderie amongst the members of the Bar was the most outstanding feature of the Delhi High Court..In between matters, many of us would linger in the canteen," Justice Kohli said as she recalled her early days as an advocate in the High Court.."I fondly remember the days when we would scroll down to the kiosk at the parking lot for a cup of tea or coffee or a hot gulaab jamun during winters," she added. .Justice Kohli also recounted that when she joined the profession, there were only a handful of women lawyers. ."Dedication, discipline, constant updation of laws, honest & sincere advice to clients and carrying the trust of the court are the hallmarks of a good lawyer, whether male or female. It is just that the notch is a bit higher for a woman practitioner," she said..She hoped that the Bar and the Bench would continue to be one, as they have always been. .The Bar and the Bench has always been one. That is the unique and unparalleled strength of our High Court. I hope this will never change.Justice Hima Kohli.She also said that well-written judgments are a testimony to the excellent quality of assistance rendered by the Bar. "At the end of the day, a robust and vibrant Bar forms the bedrock of any court," she underscored. .Bidding adieu, Justice Kohli stated, ."In a way, this pandemic has made my parting a little less painful. The daily meeting and interface with colleagues and lawyers had to necessarily be reduced. It has been months since I could sit over lunch or tea celebration with my staff, something that used to happen so frequently..Similarly, sitting together and chatting with my colleagues post-lunch.." .Concluding her address, a teary-eyed Justice Kohli said,."Please permit me to extend an invitation to all of you to visit Hyderabad in the near future. I would be delighted to see you there.".Chief Justice DN Patel, in his address, said that Justice Kohli would be remembered for all her positive support and discipline she maintained. ."Justice Kohli possesses all virtues and much more. Her elevation is a matter of pride," CJ Patel added. .Chetan Sharma, Additional Solicitor General; Rahul Mehra, Standing Counsel (Crl), Delhi government; Ramesh Gupta, Chairperson of Bar Council of Delhi and Mohit Mathur, President of Delhi High Court Bar Association also delivered their farewell speeches..ASG Sharma said Justice Kohli was "firm but polite" and was identified by her "rapid-fire questions". ."She's feisty and fiery but her heart is in the right place," ASG Sharma remarked. .Calling Justice Kohli an outstanding and brilliant judge, Mehra said, "Delhi High Court list will not be the same without Justice Kohli's name. This void will be difficult to fill. We will take solace in the fact that she is going as Chief Justice Kohli.".Gupta stated that Justice Kohli shall be remembered for the discipline she maintained on and off the bench. .Mathur also lamented Justice Kohli's departure as he exclaimed, ."Losing an experienced batsman is always a shame, that too when it's a heavy hitter..In Justice Kohli, we lose a true friend and a guardian of the Bar.".All extended their best wishes to Justice Kohli for her term as the Chief Justice of Telangana High Court. .[Watch the entire Farewell Reference]