Justice Asha Menon (Women of Steel series 1)

22nd September 2022

As women, we may be more emotional but shouldn’t be apologetic; we are made of steel: justice Asha Menon

Justice Asha Menon retired from the Delhi High Court on Friday after 36 years on the bench, the last three of which were at the High Court.

In her farewell speech Justice Menon said that many times women are overwhelmed by an emotional situation which may be difficult to handle but they should not feel apologetic about it.

“Many times we are overwhelmed by a situation which is more emotional and very difficult to handle. Probably as a woman we may be more emotional. I don’t find we should be apologetic but we are made with steel ultimately, women, so I would always salute all strong women,” said Justice Menon, who retires today.

Justice Menon said this while recalling an incident from her time as a judge when her son was only one year old and she had arrived an hour late because he needed to be taken to the doctor. When Justice Menon arrived in court, a young lawyer had asked the bar association to gather in the courtroom to support him. If she couldn’t work, she should stay at home, according to a senior and respected office bearer.

“My resolve that day was that I would be here, as would they, and let’s see who knows how to work… Later, the same person described me as an excellent judge to a new Chief Justice of this court,” the judge said.

Born on September 17, 1960 in Kerala, Justice Asha Menon joined Delhi Judicial Services in November, 1986. She was elevated as a permanent judge of Delhi High Court on 27th May, 2019.

In her farewell speech, while saying that destiny did play a crucial role in her becoming a judge, Justice Menon however added that what she did was not destiny. She said,

“I would like to share a few thoughts at this point of my life. Someone asked is destiny that decides everything, does one become a judge only if destiny or is it a reflection of competence if one becomes a judge? Are judges divine? Or endowed with divine powers?

The questions that are ordinarily thrown at us or may arise in some person’s mind, yes destiny brought me back to Delhi and into the judiciary. A small advertisement caught the eye of my father’s eldest brother, in a small village in Kerala. And he sent that cutting to my father asking me to appear in the exam. This was in 1984.”

Justice Menon recounted that while awaiting her appointment letter in Chennai, she instead received a notice from the Supreme Court as the person who had got the highest from the total marks, but had fallen short in meeting the requirements in one paper, had challenged the entire process before the Top court.

“Justice ES Venkataramiah, the then CJI, dealing the challenge also directed that the original list would be the final list and the names would have to be appointed. While some out of the list could join in July 1985, I joined the judicial services with some others from November 4, 1986. So yes, destiny did play a crucial role in me becoming a judge,” the Judge said.