Concise, Clear, and Compelling, Justice Oka's Judgments Defined Judicial Brevity

Calm, clear-headed, and deeply committed, Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka distinguished himself through his discipline, clarity, and unwavering dedication to delivering timely and meaningful justice. Demitting office as a Supreme Court Judge, he leaves behind a legacy marked by a remarkable judicial career shining as one of the brightest stars in the Supreme Court's constellation of prominent Judges, illuminating the path of justice with courage and integrity, free from fear or influence.

In our judicial system, where delays are often seen as inevitable, Justice Oka's Courtroom showed something different. I had the privilege to cover matters listed before the bench led by him, where the cases moved with purposeful momentum without wasting much time, and his exceptional ability to immediately discern the legal essence of any dispute without wasting time and no unnecessary adjournments perfectly crafts his Courtroom into a model of judicial excellence. He heard matters with precision, and you could almost feel the gears turning in his mind cutting through the noise, and lawyers appearing before him knew they had to be thoroughly prepared not because he was harsh, but because his razor-sharp legal mind could instantly identify the crux of any matter, and his ability to hit to the point often lands lawyers into difficulty to answer the question posed by the bench.

What made Justice Oka truly special was his effortless command over complex legal matters. Whether it was a constitutional challenge or a complex criminal trial, or a civil dispute, he had a way of simplifying the complicated without losing its essence. His courtroom wasn't just a space for arguments, it was a space where clarity reigned over confusion and law was restored to its true purpose.

Judgments penned by him were concise and filled with clarity. Inarguably, if brevity needs a new synonym, then Justice Oka would be a perfect match because in an age where judgments are often weighed down by legal jargon and lengthy opinions, Justice Oka's opinions were refreshingly crisp and to the point.  Every sentence and word of a judgment matters, and Justice Oka's judgments not only adjudicated the disputes, they illuminated the law, pushed it forward, and made it easier to understand and comprehend the law involved in the judgment. He proved that being brief doesn't mean being shallow, it means knowing exactly what matters.

Now, as he lays down his pen and rises from the bench indefinitely, Justice Oka leaves behind far more than just a trail of important judgments. In his address at an SCBA's farewell ceremony, his strong call to change Supreme Court's image as Chief Justice Centric Court reflects a powerful call for a more efficient, more democratic, more humane, and more responsive judiciary i.e., a vision of a legal system that works for the people, not around them.

The legal fraternity will miss his sharp mind and steady voice. But the blueprint he leaves behind of clear thinking, disciplined judging, and deep respect for time will guide many judges and lawyers in the years ahead.

Also Read - Justice Abhay S Oka : One Of The Finest Judges, Rare Beacon Of Judicial Independence