Flashback to June 2002: I joined as an Ad-hoc District and Sessions Judge in Pune. The initial goal? To adjudicate 25 session cases under IPC Sec 302 to gain full authority. That milestone was achieved within three months, opening doors to handling murder trials, civil appeals, and miscellaneous applications—the real thrill of the judiciary.
🔹 A Case That Still Echoes in My Mind:
Even now, decades later, sitting in Dallas-Austin (USA) with my grandchildren, I reminisce about a landmark case without referring to any documents.
A high-value medical consignment heist took place just outside Pune. The criminals, all from UP, looted a truck carrying expensive medicines, assaulted the driver and cleaner, stripped them down to their undergarments, gagged them, and tied them to trees. The victims’ muffled cries were heard at dawn by locals, leading to an FIR.
🔹 The Investigation:
💡 The stolen medicines surfaced in Agra at a pharmacy owned by Accused No. 1, who had legally purchased them from Accused No. 2, a wholesaler.
💡 A private detective hired by the pharmaceutical company traced the medicine batch numbers, leading to arrests.
💡 The real culprits—dacoits from UP—were caught with the help of Witness No. 1, an Indore-based trader.
🔹 A Bold Judicial Move:
As I dictated my order, defense lawyers objected, saying, “Sir, I am inviting charge.”
I responded, “Vakil Saheb, let me first see if any charge is made out.”
Realizing that framing charges against Accused Nos. 1 & 2 would be chasing a mirage, I discharged them without any formal application, a rare judicial act. Instead, I instructed a separate supplementary charge sheet for the absconding accused and immediate trial for the ones in custody.
🔹 The Unforgettable Moment:
As soon as I announced the discharge, the accused and their families—who had traveled from Agra for every hearing—collapsed in tears, prostrating before my dais in gratitude. That overwhelming scene stays etched in my memory.
🔹 A Judge’s Dilemma:
Though I stood by my decision, fear crept in by evening. Seeking validation, I approached Hon. M.G. Gaikwad Sir (then PDJ, Pune) and explained my order. Instead of reprimand, I received a pat on the back and encouragement:
“Non-application of mind is the root cause of bogus cases. Go ahead!”
In the following days, he transferred 100+ pending cases to my court, further cementing my resolve and responsibility.
💭 Reflections:
The job satisfaction from making a well-reasoned, fearless decision outweighs any official recognition. This journey, enriched by mentors like Hon. Ashok Yadkikar Sir & Hon. Abhimanyu Mahajan Sir, shaped my judicial philosophy.
Next Up: ‘Brevity in Judicial Orders’ – Stay Tuned!
Author Profile
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B A, LL B
Practised at Shahada, Dist Dhule (Now : Nandurbar) June 1985 to July 1990.
Appointed as a JMFC and CJ JD on 16.8.1990 at Wardha.
Thereafter transferred to Hinganghat, Gangapur, Mallapur, Nandura, Dahanu.
CJ SD Palghar
Adhoc D and S Judge Pune, Nagpur, Satara
City Civil Judge Mumbai
Family Court Judge Mumbai
Principal Family Court Judge Nagpur
Retired on superannuation on 31.5.2018
Appointed as a Member, Mah Electricity Regulatory Commission from 6.6.2018 to 31.5.2023
Thoroughly enjoyed Mediation Work in Family Courts at Mumbai, Nagpur.
Now camping at Dallas, Austin in Texas.
