26. My First Visit to Belapur Court – A Day of Learning and New Beginnings

         Today was a special day for me—my first visit to the Belapur Court. Having lived in Kharghar for so many years, it was amusing to realise that I had never even known exactly where the court was located!

The day began unexpectedly when Vaishali called and told me that she and Monica were going to court and asked me to join them. I reached there 10 minutes earlier than the appointed time, excited and curious about this new world that I am now beginning to enter as an advocate.

Vaishali and Monica took me first to the Ladies’ Advocates’ Room and then patiently guided me through the various courtrooms. They explained the civil and criminal courts, the NMMC matters Court Room, the different proceedings, and many practical aspects of court functioning. They introduced me to fellow advocates and, throughout the visit, made sure that I felt comfortable and included.

In some ways, the experience took me back more than twenty years, when, as an Income Tax Inspector, I used to visit the High Court on behalf of the Department. But today felt very different. Then, I was there as a departmental officer; today, I was seeing the world of litigation from the perspective of an advocate. It felt new, challenging and fascinating.

As I watched the litigants, defendants, accused persons, advocates and court staff moving through the corridors, one thought stayed with me: courts, like hospitals, are places that most people would rather not have to visit. Behind every case is a person waiting for an answer, a resolution or justice. It made me feel even more strongly that justice should reach people as fairly and as early as possible.

I was also impressed to see so many young advocates—boys and girls—working hard, learning, arguing and building their careers. There was so much to observe and so much to learn. It was my day out.

A very special thank you to my dear colleagues and fellow advocates, Vaishali and Monica. You were wonderful guides today. You patiently explained everything, introduced me to people, looked after me and made my very first visit to the Belapur Court comfortable, interesting and memorable. You have shown me a direction, and I am truly grateful.

Today was a day of observation, learning and, perhaps, the beginning of a new chapter in my life. I look forward to many more such visits, to understanding court procedures and the practical side of law, and eventually to using my knowledge and experience to be of help to others and to do some meaningful work.

Thank you, Vaishali and Monica, for making my first day at Belapur Court such a good experience. A new journey has begun, and I look forward to where it takes me.