The young Muslim rises from hardship to become a civil judge, inspires minority students with family support and strong commitment to justice
MUMBAI — Saif Ali, a young man from the Sakinaka area of Mumbai, has achieved success in the Maharashtra Public Service Commission’s Civil Judge and Judicial Magistrate examination and has been selected for appointment as a judge on merit. His journey from a modest background to the judiciary has brought hope and encouragement to many students, especially those living in difficult conditions.
Saif comes from a working-class family. His father works in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s sewerage department and began his career as a labourer. Despite financial hardship, the family placed great importance on education.
Speaking to Clarion India, Saif said, “I belong to Shraddhavan village in Kalamba, Osmanabad district of Maharashtra. I started my education at Little Flower School. After the fourth grade, I joined Michael High School in Kurla and passed my tenth in 2014 with 90% marks.”
He later completed his Class 12 in science from SK Soumya College with 62% marks. Initially, he enrolled in engineering, but soon realised it was not his interest. “I decided to leave engineering and pursue law. When I told my parents, they supported me despite our financial situation,” he said.
Saif then took admission in Rizvi College and completed his law degree in 2022 with 65% marks. He said the decision to enter the judiciary came from a deep sense of responsibility. “The passion to provide justice to people inspired me to become a judge,” he said.
He added that the journey was not easy. “The circumstances were very difficult. I had the responsibility of my own education and also my two sisters’ education. But I stayed focused.”
To prepare for the judicial examination, Saif joined a coaching centre in Pune. After one year of preparation, he appeared for the 2022 exam and reached the interview stage on his first attempt. However, he fell short by a few marks.
“Despite that failure, I did not lose heart. I returned to Mumbai, started practising law, and continued my studies on my own,” he said.
His persistence paid off when he appeared again in 2023 and succeeded. “Finally, thank God, I succeeded and fulfilled the promise I made to my parents,” he said.
Saif explained his reason for choosing the judiciary over regular legal practice. “A lawyer studies the law for one side, but a judge listens to both sides and gives a decision based on justice. That is what I wanted to do,” he said.
His success has brought happiness to his family and people in his locality in Jari Mar, Sakinaka. Residents see his achievement as a sign that hard work can change lives, even in challenging conditions.
Out of 129 candidates who passed the examination this year, only 40 will be appointed based on rank. Saif Ali is among the top candidates and is the only Muslim candidate within the selection range.
Sharing his message for students, Saif said, “For success, it is important to work hard, stay away from distractions like social media, and focus on your goal. If your hard work is in the right direction with positive thinking, it will definitely give results.”
His story stands as an example of determination, family support, and clear purpose, showing that even from limited means, one can reach positions of responsibility and serve society with fairness and justice.
