Honouring an extraordinary judicial legacy, an unyielding ethical compass, and the legendary master who shaped generations of legal minds. A Tribute to our Senior, Mentor and Guide – Justice RMS Khandeparkar, on his 80th Birthday
In today’s fast-paced corporate and personal landscapes, legal disputes are an inevitable reality. Navigating these complex, adversarial situations demands not just sharp strategic action, but steady, uncompromising legal guidance.
Our own professional foundation was forged under a titan of law, the deeply respected Justice Ramchandra Mahadev Sinai Khandeparkar, who completed 80 years on 15th August; a date fittingly shared with the nation’s 80th Independence Day. This momentous occasion is a milestone for the State and the entire legal fraternity.
Justice Khandeparkar’s illustrious career was profoundly shaped by the legal Doyen of Goa, Senior Advocate M. S. Usgaocar. Their master-disciple relationship remains one of the most intellectually robust lineages in Goan judicial history, establishing a gold standard of cross-jurisdictional scholarship that continues to inspire practitioners today. To honour this extraordinary legacy, Justice Khandeparkar later compiled and published the priceless commemorative volume, ‘Dotor Usgaonkar, The Marvel.’
Following a stellar practice spanning civil, constitutional, and taxation law, Justice Khandeparkar served with distinction as Standing Counsel for the Central Government and counsel for Goa University. His profound legal acumen led to his elevation as a distinguished Judge of the Bombay High Court, and later, President of CESTAT. Post-retirement, his wisdom remains highly sought after for critical government panels, earning him well-deserved accolades including ‘The Pride of Goa’ award.
In advocacy, tradition dictates that juniors learn not through structured salaries, but through the invaluable currency of observation, knowledge, and expertise. Our Senior embodied this tradition, transforming his office into a sanctuary for our growth. He generously opened his doors, allowing us to utilise his office space as our own learning ground and the law reports and past file records which was an open treasure trove that he willingly shared to sharpen our minds.
Our Senior’s office was a powerhouse. Alongside six brilliant colleagues, I huddled late into the evening just outside his chamber, reading-up files, drafting, tracking law reports, debating legal theories, at the same time thoroughly enjoying our vibrant camaraderie. While he occasionally stepped into our workspace, his presence inspired instant alertness and devotion. We would look every bit the serious scholars he expected and could never think of fooling around during our sacred study hours. Nonetheless, rare light moments with our Senior amidst the seriousness melted away the tension that awaited the next day in court.
He was a strict disciplinarian, a man for whom punctuality was non-negotiable and preparation was sacred. In a profession where shortcuts can be tempting, he anchored us to a bedrock of deep ethical values. Imbibing his ways we learnt that a lawyer’s greatest asset is their reputation for honesty, both before the Bench and with the client. This uncompromising foundation became the compass that guided each of us through the complexities of our legal careers.
Walking into the High Court beside a man who stood head and shoulders above everyone else, all fear turned into confidence. He never made us feel small but as though we belonged to the elite circle. It was a masterclass in legal subtlety. Amid intense pressure, the rare tea break revealed the warm, humanitarian side of this legal luminary. As one of his youngest juniors, on days when the Board was discharged, I remember the thrill when my senior would allow me to leave the serious High Court premises and join my fellow lawyer-colleagues to experience the bustling lower court trials.
As the years rolled on, the seeds he planted grew in different directions; yielding successful lawyers, elevations to the Bench, corporate legal professionals and one dedicated to the invaluable role of a homemaker. No matter where we landed, the DNA of his teachings remains identical in all of us.
The insightful training, professional discipline, and strong ethical foundation has inspired and guided our professional trajectories today. Remarkably, he keeps all his juniors closely bonded to this day, extending this warmth to our families as well, as we all wholeheartedly make time and look forward to cherished get-togethers from time to time.
Thank you Sir, for the guidance, the expertise and the rich memories. May God Almighty steer your golden years ahead with boundless energy, vibrant happiness, and continued fulfillment. Happy 80th Milestone Birthday!
(This write-up is a token of appreciation from a proud lineage of juniors who became who they are because a great master chose to share his light)