A Judge’s Perspective: The Art and Challenges of Delivering Justice

Introduction
Justice Roshan Dalvi’s judicial memoir, Tangible Justice: Glimpses of a Judicial Life, was published in 2019 and provides a rare and informative view into the Indian judiciary. The book investigates the obstacles, ethical quandaries, and obligations of a judge navigating a complicated legal system. Justice Roshan Dalvi mixes professional and personal experiences to provide light on the complexities of judicial life, making this work essential reading for legal professionals, students, and everyone interested in justice and law.
Justice Roshan Dalvi (Retd.) had a distinguished career that lasted 27 years. She was a Bombay City Civil and Sessions Court judge, the Principal Judge of Mumbai’s Family Court, and a Bombay High Court judge. Her decisions address a wide range of socio-legal issues, including women’s rights, child rights, domestic abuse, human trafficking, and economic offences. She has received worldwide recognition as a British Council scholar, United Nations invitee, and Commonwealth Judicial Education Institute Fellow.
I was attracted by Justice Dalvi’s observations on real-life judicial challenges and the human facts behind them, drawn in by her distinguished reputation and the book’s unique title. This book is an important resource for anybody looking to comprehend the relationship of law, ethics, and empathy in the pursuit of justice.
Summary
This book covers Justice Roshan Dalvi’s experiences and reflections during her 27 years as a judge. It is filled with courtroom dramas, legal disputes, and human stories underlying major decisions. Justice Dalvi emphasises the difficulties of administering justice in situations filled with moral, legal, and social complications. The book discusses civil litigation, cross-examinations, child custody, criminal cases, legal malpractice, media impact, family law, and anti-corruption measures, with a focus on real-world difficulties and remedies.
Through these stories, the book delves into essential subjects such as justice, empathy, ethical dilemmas, gender sensitivity, and the developing role of the court in society. The majority of the book is set at the Bombay High Court, which paints a vivid image of India’s judicial landscape. Justice Dalvi presents herself not just as a judge but as a compassionate individual navigating the complexities of law and human lives. The stories also include interactions with lawyers, litigants, and fellow judges, adding depth and perspective to the narrative.
The writing style is clear, reflective, and sometimes poetic. Justice Dalvi makes legal Ideas easy to understand, appealing to both legal professionals and general readers. The book shows her growth from a young lawyer to an experienced judge, emphasizing her empathetic approach and deep self-reflection.
The book is not only a valuable resource for aspiring legal professionals but also a lesson in humanity and understanding. Justice Dalvi mentions, “that is what learning is, you suddenly understand something you have understood all your life, but in a new way.” Justice Dalvi powerfully conveys that justice is not just about laws but about understanding people’s stories. The eye-opening stories leaves a lasting impression, inspiring readers to think deeply about the role of law in society.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths:
Tangible Justice excels in providing an honest and highly personal view into the judiciary, connecting legal theory to real-life circumstances. Justice Roshan Dalvi’s ability to relate courtroom experiences with clarity and empathy keeps the book interesting for both lawyers and laymen. The book’s core focus on justice, ethics, gender sensitivity, and judicial inventiveness offers vital lessons for aspiring legal professionals while also emphasising the humanistic side of law. Furthermore, Justice Dalvi’s attention on real-world issues, such as procedural inefficiencies and abuse of power, along with her deep thoughts on how to overcome them, make the book a valuable resource for judicial and societal reform.
Weaknesses:
While the book offers profound insights, some narratives could have benefited from deeper analysis of systemic challenges within the judiciary. Certain topics, such as anti-corruption efforts or procedural reforms, are touched upon but lack the comprehensive critique that could strengthen the narrative’s impact. Moreover, the focus on anecdotal storytelling, though engaging, might leave some readers seeking more structured discussions on broader legal principles or policies. Lastly, the inclusion of certain technical details without sufficient explanation may pose a challenge for readers unfamiliar with legal terminology or court procedures.
Personal Reflection
As a legal scholar, I found myself deeply connected to the ethical and emotional challenges described in the book. Justice Dalvi’s stories gave me a new understanding of the human side of the judiciary, strengthening my respect for the legal profession. In today’s world, where the judiciary faces growing public scrutiny and plays an active role in shaping society, the book feels especially relevant. It highlights how essential empathy and integrity are in ensuring justice is served.
Conclusion
Justice Roshan Dalvi’s reflections on the role of a trial judge resonate deeply throughout the book. In her words, a judge’s role goes beyond following statutes and precedents—it is about applying intelligence, creativity, and empathy to uncover hidden truths and deliver justice. Her claim that “true independence of the Judiciary must dwell within” supports the notion that judges must uphold their moral principles—integrity, justice, and bravery—while remaining firm and unbiased in the face of difficulties.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Justice Dalvi’s heartfelt conclusion serves as a powerful reminder of the profound responsibility of judges. Her poetic reflection, “put all my little work in a chest and tell my Mom I did my best,” encapsulates the humility and dedication with which she approached her judicial role. It leaves readers with a lasting impression of her unwavering commitment to justice and the human stories that shape the law.
I wholeheartedly recommend Tangible Justice to law students, legal professionals, and anyone curious about the intricacies of the Indian judicial system. It is an essential read for those seeking to understand the human side of justice. It leaves readers with a renewed appreciation for the judiciary and the ethical responsibility it shoulders.