In a scene that deviated from the usual decorum of the courtroom, the Gujarat High Court witnessed an unexpected confrontation between two of its judges. The disagreement, which took place during a hearing on taxation-related matters, involved Justices Biren Vaishnav and Mauna Bhatt on the fateful day of October 23.
Justice Vaishnav, the senior judge on the bench, was in the process of dictating an order when Justice Bhatt, seemingly not in agreement, whispered a comment to him. This act did not sit well with Justice Vaishnav, who openly expressed his displeasure with Justice Bhatt’s frequent disagreements with his viewpoints. The tension between the two escalated rapidly, with the senior judge exclaiming,
“You differ yaar. You have differed in one matter, (so) differ here also.”
Justice Bhatt, attempting to defuse the situation and clarify her position, responded with,
“It isn’t a matter of differing.”
However, Justice Vaishnav, clearly irked by the interruption and perceived dissent, retorted sharply,
“Then pass a separate order. Do not murmur.”
Without waiting for further discussion, he announced that the bench would not be entertaining any more matters for the day and promptly left the courtroom.
A video clip of this unexpected altercation has been making rounds on social media, drawing attention to the rare display of discord within the esteemed walls of the judiciary.
Following the incident, sources from within the court revealed that the bench did reconvene after lunch and continued with the day’s hearings. Reflecting on the incident, a senior member of the Gujarat High Court Advocates Association provided some context. He mentioned that while it’s not uncommon for judges to have differing opinions on matters, such a public and bitter disagreement is indeed an anomaly.
This incident, while surprising to many, serves as a poignant reminder of the human dynamics that exist even within the structured and revered institutions of the judiciary. It underscores the importance of communication and understanding, even in the highest echelons of the legal world.
Also read – Supreme Court Raises Alarm Over Extended Case Delays, Calls For Swift Justice (lawchakra.in)