Young lawyers should accept judgeship when offered: Justice SS Shinde bids farewell to Bombay High Court

Bombay High Court judge Justice SS Shinde on Monday urged young lawyers to accept judgeship when offered, and sacrifice their practice for the benefit of litigants and the judiciary. .Justice Shinde who has been appointed Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court, was serving his last day as a judge of the Bombay High Court. "The Bar has bright upcoming juniors, but there is one thing. As and when occasion comes, please do accept judgeship. Because at the age of 38-40 they are saying no to judgeship. They need to make some sacrifice for the litigants and judiciary," he said.Justice Shinde who was sitting in the High Court's central hall alongside Chief Justice Dipankar Datta, also thanked the members of the bar and also media for their cooperation during his tenure..Justice Shinde was responding to the appreciations showered upon him by the state's Advocate General (AG) Ashutosh Kumbhakoni and Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Anil Singh.Kumbhakoni expressed gratitude on behalf of all the advocates appearing for the state. "May I also add this, I would also like to appreciate the keen interest shown by Milord on administrative side for the members of the bar and for the judiciary," the AG said.ASG Singh, highlighted how Justice Shinde burnt the midnight oil by sitting beyond court hours to conduct hearings."In the last 14 years my Lordship has devoted his time and service to this institution, literally burning the midnight oil. He has heard matters till 7.30-8 pm. Even if matter was listed the next day, the order would be made available," said the ASG. He also pointed out how junior lawyers were equally at ease when appearing before the judge. "Juniors were comfortable to appear in his court. We wish him all the best for his next assignment as CJ of Rajasthan High Court. I am very sure, people there and lawyers there will think the same," the ASG added. .In response, Justice Shinde said that the bar members have always supported him. "I give credit to the members of the bar, I have always had support from them. I have never had a bad experience and also with the media," he said.As regards, the sitting beyond working hours, the judge explained,"I would again like to give credit to the bar members for this. Because they (advocates) are willing to work till 8:30 pm, that gives extra energy to judges and makes us think if they can work, why can’t you sit extra hours?"