Archive · 8 Jan 2026
Justice Sonak: Silence is a crime when there is a duty to speak
Justice Mahesh S Sonak, who is about to become the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court, spoke to lawyers at the Bombay High Court.
He said it is very important for lawyers to speak up when they see something wrong, as staying silent is like committing a crime.
He explained that lawyers should guide and correct judges, not just praise them.
Justice Sonak has been a judge for many years and has worked on important cases.
He will take over as the new Chief Justice after the current one retires on January 8.
Justice Mahesh S Sonak addressed lawyers at the Bombay High Court, emphasizing the duty to speak out against judicial misconduct.
He will assume the role of Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court after the current Chief Justice, Tarlok Singh Chauhan, retires on January 8.
Justice Sonak highlighted that lawyers should act as moral and intellectual mentors to judges, correcting them when necessary.
He has served as a judge at the Bombay High Court for nearly 12 years and has handled various significant cases.
Justice Sonak's career includes working as a special counsel for the state government and statutory corporations before being elevated to Additional Judge in 2013.
- Who
- Justice Mahesh S Sonak, lawyers at the Bombay High Court
- What
- Justice Sonak addressed lawyers, emphasizing the duty to speak out
- When
- Wednesday (specific date not mentioned), retirement on January 8
- Where
- Bombay High Court, Mumbai
- Why
- To highlight the responsibility of lawyers to speak out against judicial misconduct and to mark his farewell
- Justice Mahesh S Sonak
- Set to become Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court
- Current Position
- Judge at Bombay High Court
- Farewell Event
- Organized at Bombay High Court on Wednesday
- Retiring Chief Justice
- Tarlok Singh Chauhan
- Retirement Date
- January 8
- Career Start
- Enrolled as advocate in 1988
- Notable Cases
- Suo motu case on lawyer assault, upheld Goa’s Green Cess Act
- Education
- LLB from MS College of Law, Panaji, Goa
