Justice Sujata Vasant Manohar, born on 28 August 1934, is a distinguished former judge of the Supreme Court of India and a prominent member of the National Human Rights Commission of India. Hailing from a family with a rich legal heritage, her illustrious career has left an indelible mark on the Indian judiciary.
| Aspect | Details |
| Full Name | Sujata V. Manohar |
| Date of Birth | 28 August 1934 |
| Place of Birth | Mumbai |
| Career | – Enrolled as an advocate |
| – Appointed as a judge in the Bombay High Court | |
| – Elevated to the Supreme Court of India | |
| Career Highlights | – Served as a judge in the Bombay High Court |
| – Appointed as a judge in the Supreme Court of India | |
| Notable Contributions | – Contributed to legal decisions and judgments |
| Education | Not specified |
| Retirement Date | 27.8. 1999. |
Early Life and Education
Born into a family deeply rooted in law, Justice Manohar’s father, Kantilal Thakoredas Desai, would later become the second Chief Justice of the High Court of Gujarat. She embarked on her academic journey at Elphinstone College, Bombay, and furthered her education at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, specializing in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics.
Legal Career
After her academic pursuits at Oxford, Justice Manohar was called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn, successfully completing all papers in Parts 1 & 2 of the Bar Exam. Returning to India in 1958, she initiated her legal practice on the original side of the Bombay High Court. Her repertoire encompassed commercial matters, and she ardently took up family law cases through voluntary association with over 30 non-governmental organizations.
In 1978, she achieved a significant milestone by being appointed as a judge of the High Court of Bombay, becoming the first woman judge in the court’s history. Her commitment to public interest and pro-bono work remained steadfast throughout her career. Notably, in January 1994, she assumed the role of Chief Justice of the High Court of Bombay, breaking gender barriers yet again. Subsequently, in April 1994, she became the Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court, marking another historic feat as the first woman to hold that position.
Her tenure as a High Court judge spanned 16 years before her appointment as a judge of the Supreme Court of India in November 1994. Retiring in 1999, Justice Manohar’s judicial approach reflected a staunch commitment to the rule of law, even in the face of political and public pressures.
Post-Retirement Contributions
Following her retirement, Justice Manohar continued her commitment to human rights and justice by serving on the National Human Rights Commission. Her advocacy for the rule of law and constitutional principles persisted beyond the bench.
Honors and Affiliations
Justice Manohar’s distinguished contributions earned her recognition as an honorary fellow of Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, and an honorary bencher of Lincoln’s Inn, London. Additionally, she serves as a patron of the Oxford University Commonwealth Law Journal, further contributing to legal scholarship and education.
