Internship Experience under Hon’ble Shri Justice Ravi Malimath, Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court, Principal Bench – Jabalpur

Background of the Chief Justice’s Office

The Office of Chief Justice is the Administrative Head Office of the High court. It is responsible for managing the court’s day-to-day operations, assigning cases to judges, and overseeing the court’s overall functioning. Justice Ravi Vijaykumar Malimath is the Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court. He assumed the office in October 2021, on being transferred from the High Court of Himachal Pradesh.

The Application and Selection Process

I got the chance to know about this internship opportunity from my senior and I sent my internship application to the Administrative Registrar at Jabalpur Bench, High Court of Madhya Pradesh along with my Letter of Recommendation. It is supposed to be sent two months prior to the month of the internship. They replied to me confirming my internship. I communicated to them my desire to intern in the Office of Chief Justice and showed my Letter of Recommendation to the Principal Secretary of Chief Justice (CJ). I was given the opportunity. I interned in the office for 4 weeks.

First Impressions and Onboarding

The internship was a great learning experience, though I had the misconception of it being insipid. On my first day, I was introduced to the Law Clerks of the Chief Justice, and they made me familiar with everyone in the Court Room. They showed me library and office of the Chief Justice. I was provided with some books and judgements to read on my first day and was asked to make case briefs. There was a death reference case before CJ’s bench for which I was told to do research and work on some landmark judgements.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

I was informed that the Chief Justice wants interns to be given tasks regularly and should be taught research and learning skills. I was regularly given cases for making case briefs. I made around 70 case briefs apart from researching on reference cases like POSCO Act, Compassionate appointment, Power of HCs under Article 226, Co-operative Societies Act, Land Acquisition, Juvenile Justice Act, Companies Act, Constitution, etc. The CJ called me twice to show my work to him and I was supposed to be prepared for such occasions.

Learning and Professional Growth

I got the habit of reading and comprehending case laws. I learned how the case briefs are to be made and what mistakes are to be avoided while presenting them. I aced certain areas of law and analyzed the judicial contours around them throughout the years. I worked for his book on important judgements and made case commentaries for that.

Apart from this, I regularly observe the proceedings and arguments of the counsels. Meanwhile, I got the opportunity to meet several advocates and spoke with them. I met the Chief Justice thrice and he constantly motivated me to learn new skills. He suggested some books to read and infused me with great insights on life in Bar & Bench.

Challenges and How You Overcame Them

I didn’t face any obstacles related to the Internship. It was just the new city and new way which I found quite challenging. I had my college mates with me who were interning at one or other places in Jabalpur.

How did you find an accommodation?

I got a Girl’s PG which was quite decent and nicely managed. I found it through a friend of mine at a reasonable price. It was 1.5 km far from the High Court and commutation was easily available.

How much money (approx.) will a student have to spend if he/she is willing to intern in Jabalpur?

The expenses vary with one’s preferences and lifestyle. Moderately, it doesn’t cost more than INR 12,000, including expenses of PG, Food Transportation, and other minor expenses.

• PG: It costs around INR 5,000 with decent facilities of common refrigerator, stove, water, study table, etc. It may cost more if PG provides food facilities.
• Food: There are options of hiring tiffin services which costs around 4k to 5k. Apart from that, there are options of cafes, restaurants, street shops, etc. It may cost around INR 6,000 to 8,000.
• Transportation: It is quite cheap in Jabalpur. They take around INR 15 to 20 for 2kms.

Were you also paid a stipend?

It was an unpaid Internship.

How will you rate your Internship Experience at MP High Court on a scale of 1 to 10?

It was 8 out of 10.

This Internship Experience is submitted by Ms. Sakshi Sharma, student at National Law Institute University, Bhopal.