The Chief Justice remarked that the misleading video led to severe online harassment and unwarranted criticism and trolled him to call arrogant.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Saturday, Today, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud expressed concerns over a doctored video from his courtroom’s live stream, which was altered to misrepresent his actions and demean his character. He explained that the adjustments he made in his seat were merely to alleviate back discomfort he was experiencing at the time.
However, the altered footage misleadingly portrayed him as abandoning the proceedings while an attorney was still presenting arguments. The Chief Justice remarked that the misleading video led to severe online harassment and unwarranted criticism and trolled him to call arrogant. He said
“Just four or five days ago when I was hearing a case, I had a little pain in back, so all that I did was I placed my elbows in my armchair in the court and I just shifted my position in the chair. What they didn’t tell you was that all I did was only to shift his position in the chair. 24 years of judging can be a little strenuous which I have put in.“
the CJI clarified.
CJI DY Chandrachud further added,
“I didn’t leave the court. I only shifted my position but I was subject to vicious abuse, trolling, the knives were out but I do believe that our shoulders are broad enough and the ultimate confidence that we have is of common citizens in the work which we do,”
The incident sheds light on the challenges and misinterpretations faced by public figures in the digital age, where moments are captured and shared without context, leading to misinformation. However, CJI Chandrachud used this opportunity to steer the conversation towards more pressing issues within the Indian judiciary, particularly the need for improved facilities for women in district courts.
Here is the doctored video which led to trolling of CJI DY Chandrachud.
CJI Chandrachud delivered his remarks during the 21st Biennial State Level Conference of Judicial Officers, held in Bengaluru.
In his speech, CJI Chandrachud emphasized the historical oversight in the provision of amenities for women in the legal profession. He stated, “District courts were earlier only catered to the needs of men.” Highlighting the necessity for change, he added,
“Therefore it is not only enough to have separate female washrooms but also those with hygienic sanitary napkins vending machines… This should happen at district courts across the nation. We must not forget women staff in the Indian judiciary; they need these facilities as much as lawyers and judges.”
The call for better facilities underscores a broader issue of gender equity within the judiciary and the legal profession at large. District courts, as CJI Chandrachud pointed out, are “the first frontier in key criminal adjudication,” making them pivotal in the justice delivery system. The lack of adequate facilities for women not only affects their comfort but can also impede their professional performance and participation.
Furthermore, CJI Chandrachud encouraged senior members of the judiciary to provide mentorship to younger judges, fostering a supportive and knowledgeable legal community. “All of you must provide mentorship to younger judges as a team,” he urged, highlighting the importance of guidance and teamwork in the judiciary’s growth and effectiveness.
The event also featured insights from Supreme Court judge Justice BV Nagarathna, who echoed the sentiment of detachment from personal gains in the judicial process. She remarked,
“This would result in better quality of justice dispensation.” Justice Nagarathna praised Karnataka for its proactive approach in allocating funds and improving facilities for judges, aiming to shield them from external pressures and ensure the purity of their judgments.
The gathering, which included speeches from Supreme Court judges Justices AS Bopanna and Aravind Kumar, as well as Karnataka High Court Chief Justice NV Anjaria, served as a platform for discussing the judiciary’s challenges and advancements. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, present at the event, underscored the state’s commitment to supporting the judiciary.
This assembly of judicial and state leaders not only addressed the immediate issue of misrepresented actions but also delved into systemic improvements needed within the Indian judiciary. The emphasis on women’s facilities and the call for mentorship and equity highlight a progressive shift towards a more inclusive and supportive legal system, reflecting the evolving landscape of justice in India.