Thiruvananthapuram: Justice K Natarajan of the Kerala High Court has stressed that the judiciary is the last hope for citizens seeking justice.
During his farewell address on November 4, 2026, he urged judges to hear lawyers patiently, treat them with respect and decide cases according to the law rather than focusing only on disposal numbers. He is retiring from judicial service on November 5, 2026, after nearly 24-and-a-half years.
Justice K Natarajan’s Key Message On Justice
Justice K Natarajan shared his views during a Full Court Reference organised at the Kerala High Court on November 4, ahead of his retirement.
He said that courts play a very important role in protecting the rights of ordinary citizens. People approach the judiciary when they need justice and have nowhere else to turn.
He also asked judges to listen to advocates patiently and treat them courteously. According to him, cases should be decided based on the law and the rights of the people, not simply to increase the number of disposed cases.
He highlighted that the quality of justice should always be more important than statistical targets.
Justice Natarajan Expresses Gratitude To Kerala
During his farewell speech, Justice Natarajan said that serving in Kerala had been a privilege and a blessing for him.
He explained that Kerala was his preferred choice when the possibility of his transfer came up. He also shared his long connection with the state, saying that he had regularly visited Kerala since 1995 for religious pilgrimages.
He mentioned visits to Guruvayur, Chottanikkara and the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple. These visits, he said, helped him develop a deep personal and spiritual connection with Kerala.
Justice Natarajan thanked the Chief Justice, fellow judges, the Advocate General, members of the Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association and other lawyers for their support.
He also acknowledged the contribution of court employees, registry staff, medical officers, protocol personnel and other members of the High Court administration.
Who is Justice K Natarajan
Justice K Natarajan was born in Bengaluru and enrolled as an advocate with the Karnataka Bar in 1992.
He began his legal career under the guidance of Bengaluru-based advocate Sri V. Jagadish Gowda. He started his independent legal practice in 1995.
He was appointed as a panel advocate for New India Assurance Company before being selected as a District and Sessions Judge on May 27, 2002.
During his district judiciary career, he served in several Karnataka districts, including Kalaburagi, Bengaluru, Bellary, Dharwad and Shivamogga. He also held important administrative and judicial positions, including:
- Registrar (Review and Statistics) at the High Court.
- Registrar (Recruitment) at the High Court.
- Presiding Officer of the Labour Court in Chikmagalur.
- Principal Secretary to the Karnataka Government’s Law Department.
- Principal Judge of the Family Court in Bengaluru.
He was elevated as an Additional Judge of the Karnataka High Court on November 3, 2018. He became a permanent judge on February 26, 2020. Overall, he completed nearly 24-and-a-half years of judicial service.
Chief Justice Soumen Sen Praises His Contribution
During the farewell reference, Kerala High Court Chief Justice Soumen Sen appreciated Justice Natarajan’s contribution to the judiciary.
He highlighted his work in both judicial and administrative responsibilities. Justice Natarajan was also involved in committees dealing with juvenile justice, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, court security and the maintenance of the High Court.
The Chief Justice described him as a judge with strong convictions and a deep sense of responsibility towards justice.
He also appreciated Justice Natarajan’s judicial work and his understanding of the limits and responsibilities of judicial power.
Advocate General Appreciates His Fair And Patient Approach
Kerala Advocate General Jaju Babu also praised Justice Natarajan’s professional journey and contribution to the justice system.
He described him as an approachable judge who earned the respect of both lawyers and judicial colleagues.
He particularly highlighted Justice Natarajan’s fair treatment of advocates, irrespective of their seniority. His calm behaviour, patience during hearings and practical understanding of legal issues were also appreciated.
Peeyus A Kottam, President of the Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association (KHCAA), said that although Justice Natarajan served in the Kerala High Court for around one-and-a-half years, his approach left a positive impression on the legal community.
He appreciated the judge’s handling of civil cases, service matters and constitutional challenges.
A Farewell Message About Fairness And Responsibility
Towards the end of his address, Justice Natarajan said that he had always tried to treat every advocate equally and without discrimination.
He also expressed regret if his actions or conduct during judicial proceedings had knowingly or unknowingly hurt anyone. He clarified that such situations were never personal.
His farewell message highlighted the importance of fairness, patience, impartiality and respect for everyone involved in the justice system.
His central message was clear: courts must focus on delivering justice to people rather than treating case disposal as a statistical target.
FAQs
He said that the judiciary is the last resort for citizens seeking justice. He urged judges to hear advocates patiently, treat them courteously and decide cases according to the law rather than focusing only on disposal numbers.
Justice K Natarajan is retiring from office on November 5, 2026. His farewell Full Court Reference was held on November 4, 2026.
Justice K Natarajan completed nearly 24-and-a-half years of judicial service. He was appointed as a District and Sessions Judge in 2002 and later became a High Court judge in Karnataka in 2018.
