Judge Mohini Murugasen, our very own Judge at the KwaZulu-Natal High Court, was appointed in July 2008 as one of the three Indian female justices serving on the KwaZulu-Natal Bench. Becoming a judge was not always her goal, “For one, I didn’t think it was possible, even up to nine years ago. But then I took note of recent appointments and realised there was potential for those who aspired to the Bench. I sat as an Assessor and served two terms as an Acting Judge and began to really enjoy the challenge.”

“Serving on the bench demands total commitment and I want to contribute to the role the justice system, and in particular the judiciary plays in the upliftment and protection of society,” said Judge Murugasen.

She was in South Africa’s “Top Ten” in the1971 matriculation examination and achieved a distinction in English which was not a common feat in the Indian community. “When I was young, I had two passions: Law and Education. I have been very fortunate in that I have been able to explore both. Having completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree with Law and English majors in 1975 at the then University of Durban-Westville followed by an Honours Degree in English in 1976, she was appointed as a lecturer in the English Department at the same university, a position she held until 1981.

“Continuing legal education is extremely important for all legal practitioners because the law is developing all the time”

Mohini and Deena Murugasen

In her current position, she had had to give up her position as Director of the School for Legal Practice run by the Law Society of South Africa. Situated at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the school offers an intensive course that not only fills the gap between studying and practicing law but also enhances legal knowledge in fields that are not adequately covered in the LL B Degree.

“Continuing legal education is extremely important for all legal practitioners because the law is developing all the time,” advises Justice Murugasen.

In 1994, Judge Murugasen was admitted as an attorney and in 1997 as a conveyancer. She was in practice for more than a decade with her husband Deena Murugasen with whom she has two children.

Daughter Serini is now a PhD student in the Department of Clinical Medicine at Oxford University and her son Pravarshan is a B Bus Science and GDA graduate of UCT and a second year trainee accountant in Cape Town.

Justice Murugan views her job with anticipation “because it is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution” and trepidation “because it will change my life”. But it won’t change the way she dresses. Murugasen wears a sari “almost every day”. “I am developing a wardrobe of black and white saris - it’s not easy,” she says. “Yes, of course I wear the robes and bibs, but underneath them will be a sari. It makes me comfortable and it reflects who I am.”

Daughter Serini is now a PhD student in the Department of Clinical Medicine at Oxford University and her son Pravarshan is a B Bus Science and PGDA graduate of UCT and a second year trainee accountant in Cape Town.

When she was appointed Justice Murugan viewed her job with anticipation “because it is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution” and trepidation “because it will change my life”. But it won’t change the way she dresses. Murugasen wears a sari “almost every day”. “I am developing a wardrobe of black and white saris - it’s not easy,” she says. “Yes, of course I wear the robes and bibs, but underneath them will be a sari. It makes me comfortable and it reflects who I am.”

Why black & white saris?

The traditional court dress for female justices is a black or charcoal pants or skirt suit and a white collared shirt worn with the court robes and bib. I just wear the black and white saris instead of the suit and wear the robes and bib over the sari. I have respect for the traditional dress of the judiciary while engendering a respect for traditional, cultural dress. I love silk saris in all hues – and wear them at all social occasions.

Favourite Colour?

I enjoy pale shades as well as vibrant colours, but I follow the precept that dark colours have a slimming effect, especially below the waist.

Favourite dish?

Seafood : prawns, crab, crayfish, fish – prepared with infinite variety, preferably by someone else.

Does she still cook at home?

Of course! I do enjoy cooking but I used to enjoy it more when I had more leisure time. I enjoy new flavours and combinations. Unfortunately, I really don’t find the time to indulge in cooking fancy, multicourse dinners anymore. I wouldn’t mind having a professional chef at my service – as long as he /she cleans up afterwards too.

Star?

Aquarius: I believe I am a child of the age of Aquarius. I enjoy music, excitement and do not shy away from new experiences. I also enjoy my independence and freedom of thought and expression. I will not accept a role in “Hair” no matter what the fee!

Music?

A variety ranging from Indian carnatic and traditional to the pop music of the sixties. I love dancing – so music with a good catchy rhythm and lyrics is excellent relaxation once I catch my breath!

Lesson as mother to her children?

Be an independent thinker, but do not lose respect for traditions and your elders. Reading is one of the best forms of education.

Secondary school attended?

Merebank High or Merebank Secondary as it is now known from Std 7 (1968) – 1971(Matric). I matriculated as a Top Ten student in 1971 with distinctions in English and History. My ‘major feat’ was the distinction in English that was a rare achievement in the matriculation examination in those days.

Date appointed to the Bench?

Date of appointment was 28 July 2008. There are currently 3 Indian women judges on the KZN Bench but 6 in South Africa as a whole.

Academic qualifications?

I completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1975, Honours Degree in English in 1976 and then lectured in the English Department at the University of Durban – Westville for 6 years until 1981. I then studied part time through UNISA while I had my 2 children and obtained a Diploma in Higher Education and a B Proc Degree in 1991. I practiced as an attorney from 1994 and a conveyancer from 1997. I became Director of the School for Legal Practice in December 2006.

Her views on Sutra Magazine?

I think it is an excellent medium to showcase the achievements of the Indian community in our rainbow country. I enjoy its superior quality and varied, well-researched articles and updates on fashion. I am sure that SUTRA’S many readers feel the same about Sutra and I wish it well in its future endeavours and publications.

Team Sutra is extremely proud to be associated with the Honourable Justice Murugasen and reciprocates her good wishes.

ISSUE 9 SUTRA™

For a copy of the original article published in SUTRA Magazine click on the DOWNLOAD ATTACHMENT link below.