Though even after 75 years of Independence the representation of women both at the Bar and the Bench has been meagre, we have numerous examples of women who have fought all odds to emerge as a winner in this male-dominated profession and who have made a name for themselves. This column is an ode to such fighters.
JUSTICE ALKA SARIN
Born on June 21, 1966, in New Delhi, Justice Alka Sarin graduated from the Delhi University with a B.A. (Hons.) degree in Political Science. She then obtained her LL.B. degree at the Campus Law Centre, Delhi University, in 1990, with a First Division.
Initially, Justice Sarin practiced before the Supreme Court of India and the Delhi High Court. While practicing at the Punjab and Haryana High Court, she obtained her LL.M. degree from the Kurukshetra University, in 2004.
As a lawyer, Justice Sarin dealt with all types of civil litigation including family disputes, land disputes, rent disputes, cases of medical negligence, arbitration disputes, taxation disputes, labour disputes, consumer disputes, matrimonial disputes, etc., apart from carrying out Due Diligence Investigations.
Justice Sarin has delivered lectures, talks and presentations on Medico-legal issues relating to organ donation, laws relating to sexual harassment, child abuse, and women laws.
On October 26, 2019, Justice Alka Sarin was elevated as an Additional Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court for a two-year term, and became a permanent Judge on October 24, 2021.
NOTABLE JUDGMENTS
Justice Alka Sarin of the Punjab & Haryana High Court clarified in a case that a lawyer, who was not even the filing or arguing counsel previously in the matter, could not file a review of the case to re-argue the matter. The Court thereby dismissed the review application with an exemplary cost of Rs. 20,000.
Justice Sarin observed in a certain case that the rate prescribed under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, could not be the only factor to determine motor accident compensation. The Court held, “No doubt minimum wages notification is a yardstick which is often used, however, the same cannot be the only factor to determine the compensation payable to the claimants.”
Justice Sarin has held that in case the plaintiffs in a suit for possession and mandatory injunction failed to satisfy the court regarding their right, title, or interest in the suit land, they could not seek possession of the same, or seek a mandatory injunction against the defendant, qua the same.
While dismissing a regular second appeal by the plaintiff against the judgments and decrees by the courts below, Justice Sarin dismissed the suit for permanent injunction, and held that once the suit land was not partitioned and the parties were co-sharers and co-owners, each and every co-sharer would be considered to be in possession of every inch of land, and one co-owner could not prevent another co-owner from using any portion of the joint property by injunction, except to prevent wastage or destruction.
While dealing with a revision petition filed by the plaintiff-petitioners, claiming possession of the suit land, Justice Sarin held that an unregistered agreement to sell, being in contravention of the provisions of the Registration Act, 1908, could not be accepted by the court for granting possession in favour of the claimant party.
While dealing with a petition challenging the Trial Court’s order vide which an application by the plaintiff-petitioners for framing an additional issue was dismissed, Justice Sarin held that an additional issue, if necessary, could be framed at any point of time during the trial.
While dealing with a revision petition filed under Article 227 of the Constitution of India, challenging the order of the Trial Court, which instead of adjourning the case for plaintiff’s evidence, fixed it inadvertently for rebuttal evidence, Justice Sarin held that the plaintiff-respondent could not be deprived of her valuable right of leading evidence in the affirmative.
Address by Justice Manjari Nehru Kaul, Judge, Punjab & Haryana High Court and President, BoG, Chandigarh Judicial Academy on the occasion of Book launch – Shaping the Judges – Essays in Honour of Dr.Balram K Gupta edited by Dr.Shruti Bedi on August 2, 2025 at Chandigarh Judicial Academy
It is truly an honour and a privilege to stand before you on this special occasion—the launch of “Shaping the Judges: Essays in Honour of Dr. Balram K. Gupta.” Today is not just about unveiling a book. It is about celebrating a life—a life of purpose, vision, and unwavering commitment to justice, ethics, and education. It is a moment that invites us to pause, reflect, and acknowledge the extraordinary journey of a man whose influence has left an indelible imprint on the Indian legal landscape. When we speak of Professor Balram Gupta, we do not merely speak of an academic or a jurist. We speak of a force—a teacher, a mentor, a philosopher, and above all, a builder of minds and character. His reach has extended far beyond courtrooms and classrooms. He has shaped the very ethos of judicial education in this country and inspired generations to pursue not just legal excellence, but moral clarity. Those who have been fortunate to learn from him—or even to know him—will agree: his brilliance lies not just in his scholarship, but in his belief that law is not an abstract construct, but a living instrument of justice and humanity. He has lived this belief—in the way he teaches, the way he mentors, and the way he uplifts everyone around him. Shaping the Judges is much more than a compilation of essays. It is, in every sense, a tribute to a legacy. A legacy not measured by awards or titles, but by the values he has instilled in others: humility, integrity, critical thought, and compassion. The contributors to this volume reflect the depth of that legacy. The essays have been penned by some of the most respected names in the Indian legal fraternity— among them, Justices Suryakant, B.V. Nagarathna, A.K. Sikri, Madan Lokur, and Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud. Alongside these eminent jurists, scholars like Professor Upendra Baxi have also shared their reflections. Their words are not just tributes—they are evidence of how deeply Professor Gupta has shaped thought leaders in law, education, and governance. This is not a book you merely read. It is a book you feel. It carries within it the spirit of a man who has never sought the limelight but has always lit the way for others. For me, this moment carries a deep personal significance. My connection with Dr. Gupta is not confined to his professional stature. He and his brother Justice Jawahar Lal Gupta have shared a long and treasured friendship with my father—a bond that has, over time, blossomed into a close connection between our families. I have seen firsthand the values he embodies—his humility, his grace, and his unwavering commitment to truth and learning. What makes today even more special is the presence of Shruti, his daughter, who has so thoughtfully and lovingly edited this volume. To me, Shruti is not just the editor of this book; she is a dear friend—someone I cherish as a younger sister. Her contribution to this work is not merely editorial; it is heartfelt, rooted in understanding, and infused with the same clarity and strength that defines her father’s legacy. In every era, there are a few individuals whose presence quietly alters the course of things—who shape not just the institutions they serve, but the people they touch. Professor Gupta is one of those rare few. His is a legacy not of grandeur, but of grounded greatness. Shaping the Judges stands as a living testament to this legacy. It reminds us that the most enduring impact we can have is not in the positions we hold, but in the values we impart—in the lives we touch, the minds we shape, and the hope we kindle. This book will, I believe, continue to inspire not only legal minds, but anyone who believes in the power of knowledge, mentorship, and the quiet dignity of service. It is a profound privilege to be part of this celebration. To honour a life so well lived. And to stand alongside so many of you in recognizing the legacy of a man who has truly shaped the judges—and indeed the thinkers, leaders, and citizens—of tomorrow.
