“I always believed that when you are a judge you should not do anything to make your presence felt. Your success will be counted if your absence if felt if you demit office.”
– Justice Oka
When a judge takes the oath before the Constitution of India, they pledge to uphold its values and safeguard the fundamental rights of every citizen. This solemn duty binds the judiciary at every level—from the Supreme Court to the district courts—and in India it is perhaps the magistrate, who is working closest to the people, who truly embodies the idea of a ‘people’s judge’.
Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka, who started his practice from Thane District Court, Mumbai was born on May 25, 1960, is a distinguished figure in the Indian judiciary, renowned for his legal expertise and dedication to justice. Initially pursuing a career in engineering after earning a BSc from Mumbai University, he shifted to law, influenced by his father, a prominent lawyer.
Enrolled as an advocate in 1983, he later specialised in civil, constitutional, and service matters at the Bombay High Court. His career took a significant turn in 2003 when he was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court, eventually rising to become a Permanent Judge in 2005. In 2019, he was appointed Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court before his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2021.
On 23 May, Justice Oka of the Hon’ble Supreme Court demitted office after serving the Hon’ble Supreme Court for four years and during his tenure, he not only gave speeches or lectures, but actually implemented those lectures and works in his judgments.
Even after losing his mother a day before - Justice Oka came to court to serve and pronounce 10 judgments. That’s his legacy—etched in law & conscience