Bar associations in Tamil Nadu are protesting Justice R Subramanian’s derogatory remarks towards Senior Advocate P Wilson, urging action for respectful communication in courts. They demand a committee to address courtroom conduct and investigate social media leaks. This incident underscores the need for reforms to ensure dignity in judicial interactions.
Madras: Several bar associations from across Tamil Nadu have raised concerns over the recent comments made by Justice R Subramanian of the Madras High Court against Senior Advocate P Wilson during a court hearing. In a letter addressed to Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and Madras High Court Chief Justice K Sriram, they have protested the incident, demanding action to prevent judges from “belittling” advocates and to ensure respectful communication in the courtroom.
The Federation’s letter to CJI Chandrachud reads,
“Lawyers and judges are equal stakeholders in the administration of justice…few judges have a misconception that lawyers are their subordinates, and this leads them to shout, abuse, and belittle lawyers and don’t treat us with decorum or decency,”
The Madras High Court Advocates Association (MHAA), the Federation of Bar Associations of Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry, and other legal bodies have collectively called for the establishment of a committee to address this issue. Their goal is to ensure that judges interact with advocates in a dignified manner, without undermining their professional integrity. The call for action comes after an incident at the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court last week, which sparked outrage among members of the legal community.
The Incident: Video Circulation and Public Outcry
On October 1, a video clip from a hybrid hearing before the Bench of Justices R Subramanian and L Victoria Gowri surfaced on WhatsApp, showing Justice Subramanian reprimanding Senior Advocate P Wilson. In the video, Justice Subramanian can be seen accusing Wilson of using “tricks” to seek the recusal of judges and expressing his displeasure in a raised tone. Despite several apologies from Wilson, the judge refused to grant him a hearing.
Read Also: Madras High Court Criticizes Advocates Assisting in Forceful Property Seizures
Wilson explained that the case concerned quotas for ex-servicemen, and he had not sought the recusal of the judges.
Instead, he pointed out that Justice Gowri had previously dealt with a similar matter and passed an interim order in favor of the quota system. Wilson was quoted in the video saying, “Kindly pardon me, my Lord. I am ready to argue,” to which Justice Subramanian responded sarcastically, “You need not seek our pardon, sir. You are bigger than us. We are not hearing you. We will not touch this case. You have achieved your object.”
Justice Subramanian then continued to express dissatisfaction with the conduct of both Wilson and the counsel representing the other side in the matter. This incident has led to widespread criticism from the legal fraternity, which has demanded accountability and changes in courtroom conduct.
Legal Bodies Demand Action and Reforms
In the aftermath of this incident, various bar associations, including those from Thoothukudi, Chengalpattu, Vaniyambadi, Karur, and Ambattur, have made representations to the Chief Justice of India and the Madras High Court, calling for immediate action.
Their demands include the formation of a committee to review the incident and to develop measures that would prevent such occurrences in the future.
Read Also: Madras High Court Invalidates TN Wakf Law Amendment
Additionally, these legal associations have urged the Madras High Court to investigate how a recording of the court proceedings was circulated on social media, which raises concerns about the breach of court protocols. The Federation of Bar Associations and other groups are pushing for reforms that would ensure the dignity of advocates in the courtroom and foster a more respectful and professional environment.
MHAA’s representation to CJ Sriram reads,
“While robust exchanges are expected in the courtroom, the manner in which Wilson was addressed by Justice R Subramanian went beyond the bounds of respectful legal argument. We respectfully request that this matter be reviewed, and any necessary steps be taken to rectify this situation and prevent such occurrences in the future,”
The associations have also emphasized that this incident should not set a precedent for future interactions between judges and advocates, as it undermines the decorum and integrity of the judicial process. By addressing this issue promptly, they believe it will reinforce mutual respect between the judiciary and the legal community.
Conclusion
The ongoing protest by several bar bodies across Tamil Nadu highlights the need for reforms in courtroom conduct and communication between judges and advocates. The legal community’s demand for action and the creation of a committee to prevent such incidents in the future reflects a growing call for accountability and professionalism in the judiciary.
As the Chief Justice of India and the Madras High Court consider these representations, the outcome may lead to significant changes in how courtroom decorum is maintained and how advocates are treated during hearings.