Justice VV Kankanwadi Bids Farewell to Bombay High Court
Justice Vibha V. Kankanwadi, a distinguished member of the Bombay High Court, has retired after an illustrious judicial career spanning 33 years. Nearly a decade of her service was dedicated to the High Court, where she made history as the first woman to be appointed to the Aurangabad Bench.
The court organized a full-court reference to honor Justice Kankanwadi’s retirement, highlighting her contributions and commitment. In her farewell address, she reflected on the solemn responsibilities entrusted to judges, emphasizing the role of the judiciary in upholding justice, constitutional values, and public confidence. “A judge’s duty is not about pleasing others but about maintaining high standards with dedication and devotion,” she stated.
Justice Kankanwadi candidly discussed the personal sacrifices inherent in a judicial career, noting that true satisfaction comes from diligently performing one’s duties. She remarked, “The public often sees only courtroom proceedings, but the life of a judge involves much more.”
Highlighting the symbiotic relationship between the bench and the bar, she acknowledged the critical role that advocates play in assisting judges. “Judges depend on well-researched arguments and balanced submissions from advocates to navigate complex legal issues and reach sound decisions,” she explained.
Although she has retired from the High Court, Justice Kankanwadi’s commitment to public service continues. She will now head the College and University Tribunal at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her career. Reflecting on her journey, she remarked, “Serving as a High Court judge, coming from a cadre of Civil Judge Junior Division, is truly a dream come true.”
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A Legacy of Dedication and Achievement
Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge led the tributes to Justice Kankanwadi, with the ceremony broadcast across the benches in Mumbai, Nagpur, Goa, and Kolhapur. Her career is marked by significant achievements and dedication to the legal profession.
Born on June 24, 1964, in Bijapur, Karnataka, Justice Kankanwadi graduated with a BCom from People’s College, Nanded, and earned her LLB from Ismailsaheb Mulla Law College, Satara, where she excelled academically. She also holds a Diploma in Cyber Law from Asian Law School and hails from a family deeply involved in the legal field.
Justice Kankanwadi’s legal journey began in 1987 at Satara under the mentorship of Senior Advocate RS Barwade. She later moved to Pune and worked with Advocate Pashankar and Senior Advocate Vimrao Naik, who himself ascended to the High Court. Joining the judicial service on July 1, 1992, as a Civil Judge Junior Division and JMFC at Thane, she steadily rose through the ranks, serving in various locations, including Kolhapur, Pune Cantonment, Sangli, Nagpur, and Solapur. She also contributed significantly to the training of over 300 judicial officers at the Maharashtra Judicial Academy.
Justice Kankanwadi’s appointment as an Additional Judge of the High Court on June 5, 2017, at the Aurangabad Bench marked a significant milestone, as she became its first female judge. Her legacy will inspire future generations of legal professionals.
