Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, to the young lawyers: “This is not a platform that you can board any train. Speak to a senior on how to behave in a court and what are the rules.”
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NEW DELHI: Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud offered a stern lesson in courtroom etiquette, emphasizing the sanctity and order of the Supreme Court. His remarks, directed at a lawyer who broke protocol by speaking out of turn, underline the importance of maintaining professionalism within the legal system.
The incident occurred when a lawyer, unannounced and unexpectedly, stood up during a court session, seeking an urgent hearing for a public interest litigation concerning judicial reforms. This matter, however, was not scheduled for discussion that day. The Chief Justice’s response to this breach of protocol was swift and unequivocal. He reprimanded the lawyer, stating,
“This is not a platform that you can board any train. Speak to a senior on how to behave in a court and what are the rules. You are a lawyer, right? You should know when and how to mention matters.”
Despite the lawyer’s insistence that his intentions were not against the judicial system but aimed at its improvement, the Chief Justice’s stance remained firm. He questioned the lawyer about his regular practice area, to which the lawyer replied that he appears in the high court and lower courts.
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The Chief Justice then suggested,
“Why don’t you work with a senior advocate who can train him in (courtroom) decorum and mannerisms?”
Chief Justice Chandrachud, known for his adherence to courtroom decorum, has a history of addressing breaches of conduct. Earlier in the month, he reprimanded a lawyer for arguing at an excessively high pitch.
“Where do you normally practice? You can’t browbeat us by raising your voice. This has not happened in the 23 years of my career, and it will not happen in my last year. Lower your pitch,”
–he admonished.
The Chief Justice reiterated:
“Is this the way you argue before the first court of the country? Is this how you always shout at judges? Lower your pitch.”
The lawyer eventually offered an apology.
In another instance last year, Chief Justice Chandrachud confronted a lawyer who was talking on his cellphone inside the courtroom. Questioning if the court was akin to a market where one could casually chat over the phone, he instructed the court staff to confiscate the device.
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These incidents highlight Chief Justice Chandrachud’s commitment to upholding the dignity and decorum of the Supreme Court. His actions serve as a reminder to the legal community about the importance of etiquette and professionalism in the highest court of the land. As the judiciary continues to navigate complex legal landscapes, the need for respect and adherence to courtroom protocols remains paramount, ensuring that the sanctity of legal proceedings is preserved.
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