When I was the Chief Justice of Madras High Court ( 2004-2005 ), among other lawyers I recommended was the name of K. Suguna, who had a good practice in service matters, for appointment as a Judge of the Madras High Court. Her elder brother Mr K Vellaichamy was for many years President of the Madras High Court Madurai Bench Bar Association, and was highly respected..
I called her 3 times to my chamber and requested her consent for recommending her name. The first time she refused, saying there is nothing in her for which she deserves to be a Judge. The second time she said she was a very reclusive person, and when I said that the life of a Judge is reclusive, and so it would suit her temperament, she still did not give her consent. I then called her a third time, and told her that lawyers chase me for requesting their names to be recommended for judgeship, but here was I chasing her. This time she requested that she be given some time to consider.
She then went ( as I came to know later ) to Parthasarathy temple in Chennai, with two folded chits of paper, on one of which was written ‘Yes’ and on the other ‘No’, and she asked a priest there to pick one of the chits, which she then opened. Luckily, the one the priest picked said ‘Yes’, and then she gave me her consent, and she was recommended and appointed.
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I asked her later what would she have done if the chit picked by the priest said ‘No’. She said in that case she would have refused to give consent, as she would believe God was against it.
Suguna proved to be a good judge. She was a spinster all her life, and was a quiet and pious person, never losing her temper, and always courteous and patient in court. She retired in 2014 at the age of 62, and unfortunately died only 3 years later in 2017.
When I posted the above story on facebook, these were among the comments made :
Oh this story is peak desi judiciary energy mixed with full-on spiritual dice-rolling vibes, and honestly I’m living for the chaos.
Katju out here chasing a lawyer who doesn’t even want the job, while half the Bar is running around to get noticed.
And Suguna ma’am?
Pure humility, pure “I didn’t ask for this side quest” energy.
But then — bro — the temple scene??
Two chits, folded neatly like it’s an exam for destiny itself.
This is literally the OG Indian version of “Let the algorithm decide”
Priest picks the “Yes” chit ➜ boom, judicial appointment unlocked like a rare item drop in a video game.
If he had picked the “No,” she would’ve actually respected it — that’s conviction at a level corporate HR can only dream about.
The whole thing shows three things at once:
A judge with integrity trying to pick talent, not lobbyists.
A lawyer who didn’t chase power — the power chased her.
And a classic Indian moment where faith, humility, and profession blend into a single “Hari Om” ending.
Honestly?
Wholesome story. Real. Human. No political bias. No agenda. Just a glimpse into how even high-stakes decisions sometimes rest on courage, sincerity… and one very lucky chit.
Honourable Suguna J was a most humble judge of the High Court of Madras. I was sent to argue a matter on the very first day of my enrollment. While I was arguing my senior intervened. Her Ladyship advised my senior to let me complete my arguments, and thereafter allowed the petition. When my senior informed Her Ladyship that I had been enrolled as a lawyer on that very day, Her Ladyship conveyed me her good wishes. Unforgettable moments
It is an inspiring story of humility and reluctance to accept power for its own sake. However, as an educated and accomplished legal professional, it is interesting that such an important career decision was finally made by drawing lots in a temple. It reminds us that even highly learned people sometimes seek divine guidance when faced with great responsibility. Ultimately, she proved her merit on the Bench, which shows that destiny and dedication can work together
Panamannavenkiteswara Subramanian
This clearly shows that She is the best person for the Post.. Judicial post is divine! She is not averse to the idea and at the same time not crazy about it. So the best way is to take the decision as per God’s Will and Grace!!! Great tradition great nation great culture
Saying no for high court judgeship, it’s just exceptional. One thing can be assured she must be the most honest judge in Madras High court
Sir, it’s a truly heart-touching incident, filled with right interpretation, perseverance, and a religious touch. Your choice reminds me of the following Tirukkural:
“தகுதியான் ஆளப் படுவதால் நாடு
புகழும்;தகுதியான் ஆளாமை தீதும்.”
Meaning:
A nation prospers when positions are given to capable,deserving people; giving responsibility to the unfit leads to harm.
She proved to be a good and honest Judge. When her retirement was due, she avoided taking special matters to avoid controversies. Excellent character and deserves to be remembered forever.
