Justice Hima Kohli told how many challenges women face in the legal profession, also gave advice to young lawyers

New Delhi: Supreme Court Justice Hima Kohli is considered a very strict judge. Hima Kohli, who has always been vocal about women’s rights, has now retired from her post. In an exclusive interview with private channel NDTV, she talked about many issues including her long experience in the legal profession. She also said that women have to face difficulties in the judiciary. Hima Kohli said that women judges should be more strict.Women judges have to face difficulties
Former Supreme Court Justice Hima Kohli told in a conversation that it was very difficult to become a female judge in the 1980s. Women also face many difficulties in advocacy. She was the ninth woman judge in the history of the Supreme Court and the first woman judge in the Delhi High Court. Justice Kohli is known as a strict judge, and has been a part of many landmark decisions focusing on women’s rights.

Explaining some of the difficulties faced by women, Justice Kohli said that first of all they have to take care of the family and children. Why should only women judges run family courts, child welfare, etc.? Women judges should also get jurisdiction in other areas, he/she said. As far as bench composition is concerned, gender bias is absolutely disgusting. They face problems in working on criminal cases. First generation lawyers face the biggest challenge as they have no resources, office or anyone to handle the files.

She said that becoming a woman lawyer was difficult in itself. While it was easier for judicial officers to reach the bench, it was more difficult for a woman lawyer to go from the bar to the bench. Hima Kohli further said that how well you handle any situation can determine whether you will get there or not. As a judge, I never had any problems with my colleagues. Senior colleagues were quite supportive.

We have to look only at the merits of the case, not the face
Justice Kohli urged the public to keep their faith in the Supreme Court as judges listen to their conscience. he/she said that though there have been controversial cases, it is natural for judges to make mistakes sometimes as they are also human beings. he/she praised the use of virtual hearings as it has brought justice directly to the homes of common people. Regarding professionalism, Justice Kohli said that it is important for judges to look at everyone equally. Whatever kind of relationship you have with someone outside, you should not cross the line. Mutual relationships should not be brought into play. As judges, we have to look only at the merits of the case, not the face.

Justice Kohli’s advice to young lawyers
Justice Kohli said judges should be aware of what is happening in today’s world and should not remain isolated. Judges should know the problems of common people. While judges are not on social media, it is important to know what is happening online. he/she said his/her advice to young lawyers would be to sit in court or go to the library in your free time, not the canteen. Do not sit at home if there is no case. Justice Kohli said he/she loved writing poetry, but had to put some things behind after becoming a judge, which he/she served for 18 years, as he/she had to spend a lot of time writing judgments. Justice Kohli said he/she learned gardening from his/her sister, and he/she also loved listening to music, but it gradually decreased after becoming a judge due to the workload, listening to music in the car had become rare.