Justice Mohana Reflects on Her Inspiring Journey to the Supreme Court

At a recent event held at the Supreme Court, Justice Venkita Subramanian Mohana, who made history as the second female judge to serve on the apex court, shared her remarkable journey from humble beginnings to her current prestigious position. During a felicitation ceremony organized by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), Justice Mohana recounted her experiences starting from her modest living conditions in a 'barsati' in Karol Bagh, New Delhi, where she resided while beginning her legal career. The event, attended by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and other distinguished guests, celebrated the appointment of five new judges, including Justices Sheel Nagu, Shree Chandrashekhar, Sanjeev Sachdeva, and Mohana herself. Justice Mohana expressed her deep gratitude for the opportunities she received, emphasizing the emotional weight of returning to the institution where she honed her skills and received immense support. She acknowledged the role of her family, particularly her mother, whose dream it was for her to become a lawyer, and her husband, who has been a steadfast pillar of support throughout her journey.

Justice Mohana reflected on her educational path, highlighting her time at Government Law College and the encouragement she received from her teachers. She recalled her early days in Coimbatore, where she studied law and practiced under the guidance of esteemed mentors. Her journey took her from a rented law college in Tamil Nadu to the bustling courts of Delhi, where she transitioned to a more independent practice. Justice Mohana's narrative was filled with gratitude for her mentors and the support of her family, including her siblings, who played a crucial role in her success. She noted that her upbringing in a large family instilled in her a sense of determination and resilience, which propelled her forward in her career. Justice Mohana also emphasized the importance of hard work and preparation, sharing anecdotes from her early legal practice that shaped her understanding of the law and her commitment to ethics and integrity.