Today, On 10th June, Justice N. Anand Venkatesh of the Madras High Court felt unwell and collapsed in the courtroom around 11 a.m. on Monday. Despite this, he returned to work in the afternoon. The incident occurred while he was presiding over a case. His swift recovery and return to duty highlight his dedication to his judicial responsibilities.
Chennai: Justice N Anand Venkatesh of the Madras High Court, On Monday morning, experienced a bout of dizziness while presiding over a matter in the courtroom. Around 11 AM, he felt physically unwell and attempted to make his way to his chambers, but became dizzy and collapsed.
The court staff and some of the lawyers present quickly came to his assistance, helping him to his chambers. Despite this incident, Justice Venkatesh opted not to take the rest of the day off. Instead, he resumed his duties in the post-lunch session, returning to the bench at 2:15 PM.
The judge’s decision to continue working after the health scare highlights his commitment to his judicial responsibilities.
When urged by lawyers in his courtroom to go home and rest, Justice Venkatesh reassured them that the court’s in-house doctor had examined him and provided ORS.
He mentioned it was likely a case of food poisoning and assured everyone present that no cause for concern.
The judge remarked,
“It was probably food poisoning. I started feeling uneasy and dizzy. I intended to quickly go to my chambers to avoid causing a scene, but that didn’t happen. I collapsed here at the dais, creating a scene instead. However, the in-house doctor examined me, and I rested afterward. I am immensely grateful to all of you and my court staff. The female staff members cared for me like a mother,”
When asked by senior counsel why he did not go home following the incident, the judge responded that returning to the court made him feel better.
Justice Venkatesh remarked,
“This court is my sanctuary. I find no need to be anywhere else. I rested and felt revitalized to come back here,”
In the face of adversity, the judge’s actions have reinforced the high standards of the judiciary and set an example of resilience and commitment that will be remembered by all who witnessed it.
The judge’s decision to return to work despite the health scare highlights their dedication to upholding the law and serving the public.