Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma was born in 1968, graduated with a B.A. (Hons.) in English Literature in 1988, completed her LLB in the year 1991 and was endowed with an excellent academic record at all levels. She became a Magistrate at the age of 24 and a Sessions Judge the day she turned 35. She holds an LLM degree and is a trained Judicial Mediator and has successfully settled many cases via mediation. Justice Sharma is a fellow at the Commonwealth Judicial Education Institute in Canada. She’s an alumna of Daulat Ram College, where she was adjudged as the best all-rounder student of the year.
She also holds a Diploma in Marketing, Management, Advertising and Public Relations. She actively took part in several debates and extra-curricular activities as well. She holds a Certificate of Merit issued by the National Service Scheme and the University of Delhi for the two years 1986–88. She has worked for a variety of jurisdictions, including family courts and special courts where domestic violence and crimes against women were dealt with.
She was the Chairperson of the Committee to Examine the Complaints of Sexual Harassment Against Women Employees of Tis Hazari Court, Patiala House Court, and Rohini Court at different points in time. During her service at the Delhi District Courts, she has presided over various civil and criminal courts, including postings as Special Judge (CBI), Principal Judge of the Family Court, Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, Mahila Court, Special Court (Sexual Offences against Women) etc.
In November 2019, she was appointed as the Principal District and Sessions Judge (North District), and later, in March 2022, she took charge as the Principal District and Sessions Judge-cum-Special Judge (CBI) at Rouse Avenue Court.
She authored four books which have been of remarkable help to people. Her book, titled “Divorce: Don’t Break After Break-up”, is a move to help women who have chosen to remain single or have undergone a break-up or violent marriage. Her book, “Old Age: Beyond Baghban,” addresses the emotional and financial problems faced by the elderly at their children’s hands. The third book, titled “Tumhari Sakhi (A Complete Legal Guide from Secondary to Life)”, is an attempt to create awareness amongst women about their rights and the need to speak up against the violence they face. She also made an attempt at fiction with her book, “Love Full Circle.” Her books are available in both English and Hindi to connect more with people.
The book “Divorce: Don’t Break After Break-up” is the first of its kind. This book, now in its fourth reprint, is sensitively written and in simple language, and it will help clear the confusion in your mind. Singlehood, whether by choice or circumstance, does not have to be a drawback. One can maintain a positive attitude and face difficult situations with dignity, grace, and happiness. This book is intended not only for women who are experiencing such difficulties but also for their family, relatives, and friends to offer support. It includes all of the most recent laws that have been amended, as well as mediation cell procedures and contact information. The most recent edition also includes laws concerning NRI marriages.
She writes in her book “Old Age—Beyond Baghban” that as a person approaches middle age and their children become young adults, they face dilemmas, and as they age, their emotional equations change. Life turns out to be more complicated than expected. Some of these situations can be extremely upsetting and emotionally draining. This is not a book, but rather a tribute to seniors and a guide for those nearing the end of their lives. Everyone is taught how to grow young, but no one is taught how to grow old. This one-of-a-kind book helps one figure out all of this.
In her book, ‘Tumhari Sakhi’ acted as a step toward eradicating legal illiteracy among women and others who have been victims of discrimination and crimes against women. Her experience taught her that women were victims of violence and harassment in their homes, neighbourhoods, schools and colleges, on the streets, and at their workplaces. When a woman seeks justice, she is targeted even in a police station or in a court. She felt a strong desire to offer advice to the women and make them feel supported. This book is an attempt to bring to light all of the issues that are important to women and to educate them on their legal rights and the procedures that must be followed. She compiled nearly every important law into one book to assist women, their families, and all those who wish to assist women in becoming empowered and confident. This book details all of the laws that affect women throughout their lives. This book is not anti-men, nor does it say anything negative about them. The laws have been explained in layman’s terms.
In one of her speeches at the Delhi State Legal Services Authority, she said that many times we don’t become good lawyers by only learning laws from books, but rather we become good lawyers by learning from life. She has a deep understanding of topics such as gender neutrality and gender equality. She told us that when we talk about equality before the law, it’s not always all about women, it’s all about every human being on the planet earth. In 2020, she chaired a committee that directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Northwest Delhi and the Haryana police to provide security to witnesses in a murder case involving wrestler Sushil Kumar.
She was elevated as a permanent Judge of the High Court of Delhi on 28.03.2022.
Image Source: Good Reads
Reference:
- http://dslsa.org/nd/?page_id=324
- https://www.livemint.com/news/india/delhi-two-women-judges-take-oath-in-delhi-hc-strength-rises-to-35-read-here-11648448498490.html
- https://www.amazon.in/Tumhari-Sakhi-Complete-Legal-Secondary/dp/9384790028/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1654061307&refinements=p_27%3ASwarana+Kanta+Sharma&s=books&sr=1-2
- https://www.amazon.in/Beyond-Baghban-Swarana-Kanta-Sharma/dp/8192939715/ref=sr_1_8?qid=1654061307&refinements=p_27%3ASwarana+Kanta+Sharma&s=books&sr=1-8
- https://www.amazon.in/DIVORCE-Dont-Break-After-Up/dp/8192939790/ref=sr_1_5?qid=1654061307&refinements=p_27%3ASwarana+Kanta+Sharma&s=books&sr=1-5
- https://youtu.be/G5Mr4oiip5A
- https://delhihighcourt.nic.in/cjsittingjudges.asp?currentPage=4
- https://www.scconline.com/blog/post/tag/ms-swarana-kanta-sharma/
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