While delivering her farewell address upon retiring from the Delhi High Court, Justice Rekha Palli on Friday emphasized that court cases are not just legal documents but represent an individual's life and pursuit of justice.

“Over the years, I have witnessed tremendous change in the legal profession. I have seen the transition from paper files and typewriters to electronic files and digital proceedings. I have even witnessed the shift to alternate dispute resolution, technology has revolutionized how we work, making processes more efficient, but at the same time reminding us that at the heart of every legal matter lies a human story, one that no machine can ever fully comprehend,” the judge said.

Justice Rekha Palli urged young lawyers and aspiring judges to strive for excellence rather than merely pursuing success. “To the young lawyers and future judges in this room, give your best to whatever you do. Don't chase success—chase excellence, and success will follow. More importantly, don’t fear change,” she advised.

Justice Rekha Palli was designated as a Senior Advocate by the Delhi High Court in April 2015. As a lawyer, she was recognized for her steadfast commitment to gender equality, especially in the Armed Forces. She was elevated to the position of a permanent judge of the Delhi High Court on May 15, 2017.

In her heartfelt farewell speech, Justice Rekha Palli conveyed her gratitude to her fellow judges, her family for their unwavering support, and her office staff for their dedicated efforts.

“It is not a goodbye. It's just the beginning of another phase. And before I leave, let me just say this, if anyone is expecting me to disappear quietly into retirement, let me assure you, maybe the venue changes, but I will still be around,” the judge said.

Justice Rekha Palli reflected on her legal career, stating that it was primarily shaped by cases involving army matters, service law, pension disputes, and issues concerning defense personnel. She noted that when she first began handling such cases, there were very few lawyers specializing in this field—and even fewer women.

“In fact, my dear friend and colleague, Justice Jyoti Singh and I were among the only women who regularly worked on these cases. It wasn't easy,” she said.

The judge added: “People often assumed that army matters were a niche area best left to a select few men, but I was determined to make my mark. For me, they were not just legal disputes, they were deeply personal battles for the individuals involved. Representing members of the armed forces was never just about law. It was about justice, fairness and ensuring that those who serve our country are treated with dignity. I gained immense respect for the armed forces through my work, and that respect has only grown over the years.”

Reflecting on her journey as a judge, Justice Rekha Palli emphasized that a judge’s role extends beyond merely applying the law—it also involves understanding its impact. She stated that this belief has been her guiding principle every day on the bench.