Justice M.N. Gilani Conferred Senior Advocate Status by Supreme Court: A Distinguished Journey of Judicial Service and Integrity

(By Syed Ali Taher Abedi)

In a remarkable journey that began from the remote village of Sayatkharda in Yavatmal district, Justice M.N. Gilani’s career in law and judicial service stands as a testament to dedication, discipline, and a lifelong commitment to upholding justice and institutional integrity. Born on January 26, 1951, in a family of agriculturists, Justice Gilani rose through the ranks of Maharashtra’s judicial and administrative system, leaving an indelible mark at every stage of his illustrious career.

His early education was entirely in Marathi medium. The schooling facility in his native village was available only up to the fourth standard. He is proficient in Marathi, Hindi, and English.

After completing his B.Sc. and LL.B., Justice Gilani enrolled as an advocate on October 2, 1975, and began his legal practice at Nagpur and Yavatmal. His sound understanding of the law and sharp analytical skills soon earned him recognition, paving the way for his entry into the judiciary in 1980 as a Civil Judge.

By 1989, he was promoted to the cadre of District Judge, and went on to serve in diverse judicial capacities across Maharashtra and the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. His tenure included pivotal assignments as Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Mumbai, Judge, City Civil & Sessions Court, Mumbai, and Special Judge under the TADA and NDPS Acts. He also presided over the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, Pune, and handled complex civil, criminal, and arbitration matters with a reputation for fairness and precision.

As Principal District Judge, Nagpur (2005–2006), Justice Gilani brought administrative clarity to the functioning of the district judiciary. His contributions as Registrar (Judicial) (1999–2001) and later as Registrar (Inspection) (2006–2007) of the Bombay High Court reflected his deep engagement with judicial administration.

In 2007, he was appointed Principal Secretary (Law and Judiciary) and Legal Remembrancer to the Government of Maharashtra, where he provided crucial legal guidance to the State, advised on constitutional and legislative matters, and served on several high-level committees.

In 2010, Justice Gilani assumed charge as Registrar General of the Bombay High Court, before being elevated as a Judge of the Bombay High Court (2010–2013). During his tenure on the Bench, he authored several judgments noted for their clarity, depth, and balanced approach.

Post-retirement, his expertise continued to serve public institutions. He was appointed Member (Judicial), Maharashtra Administrative Tribunal (2014–2016), where he adjudicated thousands of service matters with judicious sensitivity. Subsequently, as Chairperson of the Fees Regulating Authority (2016–2021), Justice Gilani led efforts to bring transparency and fairness in fee structures across private professional colleges offering nearly 3,000 courses—including medicine, engineering, law, and agriculture.

In 2024, he was again called upon to head key committees, including one for fee fixation at JJ School of Arts, which recently attained deemed university status, and another to investigate alleged irregularities in Ph.D. entrance examinations at Mahatma Gandhi International Hindi University, Wardha.

Throughout his career, Justice Gilani has chaired several High Court–appointed committees of enquiry, investigating issues ranging from irregularities in land allotments and urban land ceiling matters, to alleged misuse of World Bank funds and COVID-19-related grievances of hospitals and patients. His reports have consistently led to tangible administrative reforms and corrective actions.

An accomplished Arbitrator and Mediator, Justice Gilani has been appointed as Sole Arbitrator in numerous cases by the Bombay High Court (Nagpur Bench), and notably, as Mediator in a matrimonial matter by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. His awards and settlements are widely regarded for their timeliness and fairness.

From his early years as a young advocate in Nagpur to his distinguished service as a Judge of the Bombay High Court, Principal Secretary to the Government, and Head of multiple judicial and administrative bodies, Justice M.N. Gilani’s career reflects a firm commitment to justice, ethics, and public accountability—a legacy that continues to inspire generations within the judicial fraternity.

In a full court meeting held on 29-10-2025, the Chief Justice of India and the Judges of the Supreme Court of India designated the Justice M.N.Gilani as senior advocate with effect from 29-10-2025