Archive · 30 Dec 2025
CJI Honors Goa's First Woman Advocate
The Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, honored Libia Lobo Sardesai, Goa's first female lawyer and a freedom fighter, at a conference in Goa.
Sardesai played a big role in Goa's fight for independence from Portugal.
She even ran a secret radio station and announced Goa's liberation.
The CJI said she is an inspiration for everyone.
He also talked about how mediation, a way to solve problems peacefully, is important and has been part of India's traditions for a long time.
Another lawyer, Norma Alvarez, was also honored at the event.
CJI Surya Kant felicitated Libia Lobo Sardesai, Goa's first female lawyer and freedom fighter, at a mediation conference in Goa.
Sardesai was recognized for her pivotal role in Goa's liberation movement and her contributions to the legal field.
The CJI praised Sardesai as 'the nation’s pride and a source of inspiration for generations to come.'
Sardesai and her husband ran an underground radio station from 1955 to 1961, announcing Goa's liberation from Portuguese rule in 1961.
The event also highlighted the importance of mediation in India's dispute resolution traditions, with references to examples from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
- Who
- Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Libia Lobo Sardesai
- What
- CJI felicitated Sardesai for her contributions to Goa's liberation and legal field
- When
- December 30, 2025
- Where
- India International University of Legal Education and Research (IIULER), Goa
- Why
- To recognize Sardesai's role in Goa's liberation movement and her pioneering work as a woman lawyer
- Event
- National Conference and Symposium on Mediation
- Location
- India International University of Legal Education and Research (IIULER), Goa
- Honoree
- Libia Lobo Sardesai
- Honoree's Role
- Goa's first female lawyer and freedom fighter
- CJI's Remarks
- Sardesai is 'the nation’s pride and a source of inspiration'
- Additional Honoree
- Senior advocate Norma Alvarez
- CJI's Message on Mediation
- Mediation has deep roots in India’s dispute resolution traditions
- Justice Maheshwari's Examples
- Cited Ramayana and Mahabharata to highlight mediation's importance