From Chemistry Graduate to High Court Justice: The Inspiring Journey of Justice Manjula
In a remarkable tale of determination and inspiration, Justice Manjula, who recently retired from the Madras High Court, began her legal journey as a chemistry graduate. Her path to the judiciary was sparked by the Tamil movie ‘Vidhi’, where the lead actress portrayed a lawyer, motivating her to pursue a career in law.
Early Struggles and Determination
To fund her aspirations, Justice Manjula worked as an accountant in a timber shop, saving enough money to buy her first advocate’s robe. Her early days were marked by challenges, including being denied access through the ‘judges only’ entrance at the Madras High Court campus in 1986. This incident, however, only fueled her resolve to succeed in the legal field.
A Distinguished Judicial Career
Justice Manjula, a native of Dindigul, enrolled as an advocate in 1987. Her dedication and hard work paid off when she was selected to the Tamil Nadu State Judicial Service as a Civil Judge in 1995, with her first posting in Madurai district. Over the years, she served in various capacities in the district and high court judiciary, culminating in a 30-year stint that ended with her retirement on Friday.
Reflections on Service and Transformation
In her farewell address, Justice Manjula shared profound insights from her three decades of service. “I spent 30 years in service. I performed my duties to the best of my ability. Every stage brought a different challenge. But every challenge taught me something about life,” she said, responding to advocate-general P S Raman.
She emphasized the transformative nature of being a judge, noting, “Being a judge is not an easy thing. It changes our lifestyle. The habits and manners we learn in one chapter will not help in the other chapters of our life. I had to change a great deal of myself to grow into the role of a judge. For nearly 30 years, I wore that judicial armour with commitment and discipline. Now, as I step away from the Bench, it is time to lay down that armour and return to the mantle that is truly my own.”
Legacy and Institutional Responsibility
Justice Manjula also highlighted the importance of nurturing judicial institutions. “The institution (high court) existed before us, and it will continue long after us. Our responsibility is to nurture it during the time entrusted to us,” she added, underscoring the enduring legacy of the judiciary.
Her journey from being barred at the judges’ entrance to walking through it as Justice Manjula 34 years later symbolizes a full circle of perseverance and achievement. This story serves as an inspiration to many aspiring legal professionals, demonstrating that with passion and resilience, even the most daunting barriers can be overcome.
