On June 2, Justice V Mohana took the oath of office as a judge of the Supreme Court of India, marking a significant milestone as the second woman to be directly elevated from the Bar. For the legal community, this is a moment of great celebration. For me, however, it holds a deeper, personal significance. It signifies the rise of a woman who once gave an opportunity to an inexperienced lawyer from Madhya Pradesh.
My journey began in 2011, when I arrived in Delhi with a law degree, a suitcase, and no connections. As a first-generation lawyer from a middle-class family, Delhi felt like a different world. The conventional wisdom for aspiring lawyers was to ‘knock on doors,’ and so I did. Despite some offers, the lack of a stipend made survival impossible. As my savings dwindled, I was on the verge of giving up and returning home.
The Phone Call That Changed My Life
Desperation often breeds innovation. I downloaded a directory of Supreme Court advocates, specifically targeting those residing in Mayur Vihar where I stayed, and began calling. Most attempts met dead ends. However, when I reached out to Mrs. Mohana, an Advocate-on-Record at the time, she listened with an understanding I had not encountered before. After a brief conversation and a casual orientation, she agreed to take me on, despite my lack of connections or pedigree.
I often wonder why she agreed. We had no common ground—different states, different languages. It may be that she saw a reflection of her own beginnings as a first-generation lawyer striving in a challenging environment.
First Day, First Lesson
On my very first day, I was tasked with appearing before a Division Bench of the Delhi High Court in a case concerning an Army officer’s promotion, merely to request a passover. I failed in this simple task. Expecting reprimand, I was instead met with calm advice: ‘All you must do is your work honestly and leave the outcome to the court.’ Over the years, these words have echoed in my practice countless times, forming a guiding philosophy.
More Read
What Justice Mohana Instilled in Me
During my time with her, Mrs. Mohana’s chamber was a small yet focused operation. She taught me the importance of thoroughly reading case files, starting with foundational documents and preparing a detailed chronological narrative. Her expectation that I prepare every case as if I had to argue it kept me diligent and focused.
Her work ethic was unparalleled. She was at the Supreme Court by 9:30 AM every day and did not leave before 9 PM. This discipline was something I absorbed by simply being around her and still adhere to today.
Although I worked with her for just over a year, the exposure to high-profile cases was invaluable. When I eventually moved on, I carried with me her methods, discipline, and values.
As Justice Mohana ascends to the Supreme Court, I am filled with pride for having started my career under her guidance. She brings to the Bench the same meticulous preparation and respect for all that she demonstrated in her practice.
I share this not for personal acclaim, but to acknowledge the profound impact a mentor can have on a fledgling lawyer from a small town. Justice Mohana opened a door for me, asking only for my best efforts in return.
Manoj Kumar Sahu is an Advocate-on-Record, Supreme Court of India.
