This year’s SKOCH India Law Firm Lifetime Achievement Award is conferred on Justice Mukherjee of the Calcutta and Bombay High Courts. Justice Mukherjee is the true torchbearer of this great legacy.

He started the general practice of law in 1953 at the Calcutta High Court, and his work was marked for its quality and volume. When he was elevated to the Bench, he had an unbelievably large number—about 3,000 briefs—which was rare for any lawyer at the time.

His crisp and lucid judgments covered the entire spectrum of law, shedding clear light on many ticklish legal issues. With no filigree or ornamentation, he left out all unnecessary details and, with an uncanny sense, went straight to the hub of the matter.

He was the first Chairman of the West Bengal Human Rights Commission and did exemplary work to prevent and punish violations of human rights, transforming constitutional phrases into living reality.

Ladies and gentlemen, Justice Mukherjee belonged to that select class of members of the SKOCH family, and we pay our highest regard to him.

Well, it is no more than a coincidence that in my 94th year, I receive an award from SKOCH, as a 1940s lawyer. I heard others speak about me in very high terms. I know it is more their goodness and affection for me that made them speak about myself and my qualities.

I, with humility, accept the award given by the SKOCH organization. I do not wish to be long, but I must once again say that I dedicate this award to the memory of my ancestors, of whom you have mentioned—my uncle Shyama Prasad and my father, Ramaprasad.

Thank you very much. May I end by saying my regards and affection to Justice—one of the rewards in my life has been knowing him closely, which has made me have greater and greater regard for his greatness, his qualities of mind, and his kindness.

Thank you very much. Once again, thank you.

Participants at the India Law Forum - Intersection of Law & Life